NHS bosses consider deploying field hospitals in 'call to arms'

Managers in an NHS area are considering using "field hospitals" to deal with the surge in patients.

Sarah Whiteman, chief medical director of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board told colleagues the use of tents was a "real possibility".

In an email, she also asked colleagues to sign temporary contracts to work in emergency departments.

The board said the use of tents in hospital grounds was not imminent.

Dr Whiteman's email, obtained by The Sunday Times and seen by the BBC, began with the statement: "Call to arms".

It emphasised how busy the acute units were within her board's operational area, including Bedford, Milton Keynes and Luton and Dunstable Hospitals.

In the message, she promised staff would receive training and induction if they stepped forward to support colleagues.

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 4 January 2023