The Earl of Wessex officially opens Nightingale Wing

Jersey General Hospital’s Nightingale Wing was officially opened by His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, this afternoon (Monday, 11 May).

At a small ceremony, a plaque was unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, on behalf of His Royal Highness, who addressed the event via video link from the Royal Household.

Jersey’s Bailiff, Mr Timothy Le Cocq and the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, also addressed those in attendance. Invitations were limited to 23 people - the maximum number that could safely attend while remaining physically distant from one another.

The Bailiff’s opening address highlighted the Jersey spirit that underpinned the commitment to completing this facility, while the Chief Minister set out the political process that led to the construction of the Nightingale Wing as a field hospital for COVID-19 patients. 

The new Wing will provide the extra beds needed to treat Islanders if there is an increase in the number of people who become ill with Coronavirus. Patients will be assessed at the General Hospital before going to the field hospital, where patients can be provided with oxygen. Patients needing intensive care will be treated at the General Hospital.