This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-52038102

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Coronavirus: NEC 'ready and willing' to be field hospital Coronavirus: NEC 'ready and willing' to be field hospital
(about 2 hours later)
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is "ready and willing" to become a temporary field hospital if required during the coronavirus pandemic.The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is "ready and willing" to become a temporary field hospital if required during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Birmingham site, which host events including Crufts, could see exhibition halls used to treat patients.The Birmingham site, which host events including Crufts, could see exhibition halls used to treat patients.
NEC group chief executive Paul Thandi said they were "committed to playing our part" should the need arise.NEC group chief executive Paul Thandi said they were "committed to playing our part" should the need arise.
On Tuesday it was announced the ExCel Centre in London will become a field hospital with 4,000 beds.On Tuesday it was announced the ExCel Centre in London will become a field hospital with 4,000 beds.
The NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group said a "national announcement" was expected, but was unable to give any further details.The NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group said a "national announcement" was expected, but was unable to give any further details.
In a statement, Mr Thandi said: "As a cornerstone of the local community, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone in our area.In a statement, Mr Thandi said: "As a cornerstone of the local community, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone in our area.
"As such, we stand ready and willing to help our emergency services - especially at a time like this."As such, we stand ready and willing to help our emergency services - especially at a time like this.
"The NEC is well equipped to be used as a support base if such need arises so please be assured, that if we are requested to do so, we can action this with immediate effect.""The NEC is well equipped to be used as a support base if such need arises so please be assured, that if we are requested to do so, we can action this with immediate effect."
Officials there are in contact with police, the local NHS Trust and the fire service, he added.Officials there are in contact with police, the local NHS Trust and the fire service, he added.
Meanwhile, some 250,000 people have signed up in a single day to volunteer with the NHS after a recruitment drive to help the vulnerable amid the crisis.Meanwhile, some 250,000 people have signed up in a single day to volunteer with the NHS after a recruitment drive to help the vulnerable amid the crisis.
The helpers are needed for delivering food and medicines, driving patients to appointments and phoning the isolated.The helpers are needed for delivering food and medicines, driving patients to appointments and phoning the isolated.
The scheme is one of a number aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS.The scheme is one of a number aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS.
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.
How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form below