Nightingale a ‘beacon of strength and care’

Nightingale Hospital North East has been officially opened by royalty – helped by a team of celebrities.

During a virtual opening ceremony, the 460-bed hospital for COVID-19 patients was officially opened by the Queen’s daughter-in-law, the Countess of Wessex.

The official opening followed the news that others elsewhere in the country will be mothballed.

However, NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the temporary hospital could play a role in convalescence and rehabilitation as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Speaking via video, the Countess said: “Over 300 diligent pairs of hands have contributed to this facility's construction and many more pairs of hands will care for those who may come to need it. This hospital, like the other Nightingale hospitals, demonstrates that when we come together we can achieve great things.

“Sunderland has been close to my heart for some time which is why I’m so pleased to have been invited to be with you. albeit virtually, today.

“Since 2003, when I became patron of Sunderland Football Club's Foundation of Light charity, I've enjoyed many visits to one of our country's friendliest cities and only just over a year ago I had the honour of opening the charity's Beacon of Light complex. And now the Nightingale Hospital will be a beacon of its own. A beacon of care, a beacon of reassurance, of strength, of compassion and of innovation.

“It is a representation of the combined capability of many individuals and organisations as well as a wonderful reflection of Sunderland's industrious spirit.”