I have to admit to being totally confused.
The new Corona virus specialist Nightingale Hospital – Birmingham is capable of housing some 500 patients. This hospital was opened to a fanfare by Prince William on the 10th April. Now, three weeks on it still remains empty.
Patients with covid19 are still being cared for at regional hospitals. I had hoped that these regional hospitals would be freeing up beds to the Nightingale hospitals so that the treatment of conditions like liver disease can continue regionally.
This must be of great concern for some people. With the lockdown being in its sixth week. Many people have been turning to drinking alcohol at home. Alcohol sales in Britain were 30% higher than usual in March. In England, there are an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers. Where are these people going to go when they need treatment?
Back in March, my wife has been told she would have to wait six months to see a gastro consultant. That appointment scheduled for August has just been cancelled indefinitely due to the coronavirus. Other localised patients with liver disease, must also be being turned away.
What I don’t understand is why these Nightingale hospitals remain empty and our regional hospitals are struggling to cope.
