AQW 10292/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/11/2020
Answered On Date: 25/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans or discussions he has had to open a dedicated COVID-19 Nightingale Hospital outside Belfast.

Answer:

Following the first wave of COVID-19, I established a project board to explore the need for and location of a further Nightingale Hospital. As part of this work, the project board identified five potential sites, two of which were shortlisted for more detailed exploration – the Whiteabbey Hospital site and a commercial site outside Belfast.

Of the two options, I determined the Whiteabbey site was the most suitable based upon location, accessibility, stability and cost. In addition, while not a determining criterion, using a site already in the ownership of HSC, rather than repurposing a commercial site, will provide a legacy facility when COVID-19 has passed.

There are currently no plans to open any further Nightingale facilities; however, this will be kept under review based upon transmission rates and demand.