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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10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
Crowded House
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.
Daisy Jackson -
30th December 2021 
