Student halls and hotel rooms given to healthcare staff and patients

The University of Northampton is providing free rooms to house healthcare staff and patients to ease the pressure on the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

300 vacant rooms at the Spencer Perceval halls in Boughton Green Road (pictured on the left) will be made available to hospital patients and those in social care that do not have the virus. This will free-up space for those who require oxygen or critical care during the current crisis.

The University has extended further support by offering free parking at the University’s Waterside Campus to Northampton General Hospital staff.

The University has also made a similar arrangement with St Andrew’s Healthcare, due to start in two weeks’ time.

Staff working on call at the nearby mental healthcare facility will have the choice of staying in a room at the Sunley Hotel at Waterside – or in one of 100 rooms in Bassett Lowke hall located at the University’s St George’s Avenue site (pictured on the right).

University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Professor Nick Petford said: “We’ve heard many stories over the past few days showing true humanitarian spirit during the unprecedented challenges Covid-19 is setting us.

“Many of these involve our outstanding healthcare sector staff who show the sort of altruism and dedication most of us can only marvel at.

“With more challenges ahead and many more new and much needed healthcare professionals due to join the fight, we gladly and gratefully open our doors to them.”