An NHS Nightingale 'surge hub' is being set up in Leeds as coronavirus cases hit yet another record high.
Eight temporary hubs in total will appear at hospitals across England, capable of housing around 100 patients.
A Nightingale surge hub will be built on the St James's University Hospital site.
The NHS has said it's now 'on a war footing' and preparing for a potential wave of patients with Omicron.
A total of 183,037 new cases were recorded yesterday, The Manc reports.
A surge hub will be set up in Leeds. Credit: NHS England.
The Nightingale hubs will 'improve NHS resilience' if those infection rates translate to a surge in hospital admissions that outstrips existing capacity.
Health bosses say they hope they will never have to use these new hubs.
NHS trusts have also been asked to identify other areas that could be converted, like gyms and education centres, that could add up to 4,000 'super surge' beds.
NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said: “Given the high level of COVID-19 infections and increasing hospital admissions, the NHS is now on a war footing.
“We do not yet know exactly how many of those who catch the virus will need hospital treatment, but given the number of infections we cannot wait to find out before we act and so work is beginning from today to ensure these facilities are in place.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid says he hopes the hubs won't have to be used. Credit: Gov.uk
“We hoped never to have to use the original Nightingales and I hope we never to have to use these new hubs.
“Staff across the health service are working around the clock to provide the best possible care to patients and rollout the NHS COVID vaccination programme.
“The public can play their part by following the guidance to limit the spread of infection and by getting boosted now.
“The science is clear. Two doses of vaccine do not provide enough protection against Omicron so if you have not yet had a life-saving booster do not delay any longer”.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “We’ve backed the NHS at every turn throughout this pandemic to make sure it provides the care and treatment people need. I want to thank the tireless efforts of our health workers on the frontline who are delivering for patients every day.
“We hope the Nightingale surge hubs at hospitals will not have to be used but it is absolutely right that we prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity."
The Nightingale facilities would be used for patients who need minimal support and monitoring, freeing up normal hospital beds for those with more intensive needs.
The first eight of the Nightingale surge hubs will be at the following hospitals:
North West – Royal Preston North East and Yorkshire – Leeds, St James’ site Midlands – Solihull Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham and University Hospitals Leicester East of England – Lister Hospital, Stevenage London – St George’s South East – William Harvey Hospital, Ashford South West – North Bristol
Featured image: Google Maps
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Even MORE padel courts are coming to a former film studio in Leeds city centre
It's looking like the whole of Leeds might turn into padel courts before we know it.
The padel craze is well and truly thriving, because over the past few months we've had not one, not two, but THREE new padel courts being announced in the city.
We're not quite sure why, but something about that little racket and ball is really getting the people going - and we love to see it.
So, the next lot of padel courts is set to move into the part of a former film studio on Whitehall Road.
If granted permission by Leeds City Council, eight padel courts will be created at the Versa Studios site in Holbeck, along with an onsite cafe and bar.
Council planners have said the new development would boost access to sports facilities and create jobs in the local area.
The report said: “The development will generate around 15 new jobs, contribute to the local economy and create wider spin-off benefits for the city centre fringe.
“It will also deliver important social and health benefits, encouraging more people to participate in sport and promoting an active lifestyle within an inclusive and accessible setting.”
A design report by Quantam Padel said new courts were needed to meet the ongoing growing demand for the sport, and we can believe that.
It said: "The proposal aims to deliver a high quality padel tennis centre.
“Padel tennis is more accessible to those whose level of fitness, agility or skill make conventional tennis or squash overly challenging and difficult to play.”
So, what do you make of this? Can there be one padel court too many?
Sheffield’s Peddler Market to relaunch as FREE monthly mini music festival
Clementine Hall
Peddler’s 13th year marks a bold new direction for the free monthly event.
Peddler Market began its life 12 years ago as a street food night market with a sprinkling of live music and DJs.
Now that they're synonymous with bringing some of the best street food the UK has to offer to Sheffield, the organisers are now heading in a new direction.
Peddler will now offer a five-stage monthly music festival, spread across their Kelham Island footprint - maintaining its ‘free entry’ ethos for customers.
Image: Supplied
But don't worry, food will still be a key component all whilst increasing their to platform some of the best local promoters, record shops, DJs and bands across Sheffield.
But now, they're bringing five stages to Peddler, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city.
“Twelve years ago, we filled a gap that Sheffield really needed,” Jordan Roberts - owner, says. “Since then, it’s nourished this huge gastronomic change within the city. Now there’s food halls and street food everywhere, which is great because people have choice – at peddler amazing street food is a given but now you can expect much more”
Image: Supplied
"I wanted to create a labyrinth of exploration like that you find at a proper festival, tread the zones, sample the delights and find your vibe. It’s like a little mini festival,” Jordan says.
“With Tramlines and We Out Here being huge inspiration for the next gen development. There’s a car park stage, the inside main stage, a courtyard stage, the factory floor and activities happening in the basement underneath too,” Jordan explains. “Bands, DJs, the whole thing.”
Image: Supplied
“We’ve always been a street food event with two music stages,” he explains. “Now we’re excited to bring five stages, working with some of the best up and coming and well established promoters in and across the city. After more than 100 Peddler Markets where we’ve always hosted a free entry gig.
"We’ll still host our street food partners, who love seeing all the Sheffield foodies. However, the changing music line up will help you ‘save the date’ making each month even more unmissable”
The first edition of the reformatted Peddler lands on the usual first Friday and Saturday of the month on 5-6 June and promises a sprawling, multi-space experience inspired as much by classic city festivals as warehouse parties and independent culture.
Daisy Jackson -
30th December 2021 
