Convention centre to become temporary hospital

Story update 2nd April

Government has now confirmed that Harrogate Convention will house 500 beds as it becomes the first field hospital outside a city.

*****Original story*****

Yorkshire is to host the UK’s fifth temporary hospital to treat patients with Coronavirus.

Harrogate Convention Centre will join the ExCel centre in London, Birmingham’s NEC, Manchester Central conference centre and Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus, as it is transformed into a temporary field hospital.

Reports claim that “the Ministry of Defence has received a formal request to help set up the Harrogate hospital, but has not yet started work on the project.”

No official announcement has been made however the Harrogate Advertiser is reporting that beds could open as soon as this weekend. While Harrogate and Knaresbrough, Conervative MP commented: “”Should this be announced, I am very pleased that Harrogate is playing its role in keeping our country safe and well. We are facing a national emergency and Harrogate is playing a key role in helping our nation.”