Matt Hancock and Steve Powis answer question during Downing Street coronavirus press briefing

The transcript discusses the future use of Nightingale hospitals post-pandemic. Stuart inquires about their role in reducing NHS waiting lists. The response highlights that these hospitals were specifically designed for COVID-19 patients requiring intubation and may not be suitable for other NHS activities. Steve, involved in the project, explains their purpose and the importance of maintaining them as an insurance policy. The discussion emphasizes the NHS's agility and the support from the military, noting that the hospitals provided necessary capacity without being fully utilized.

What was the primary design purpose of the Nightingale hospitals?

• To serve as research centers for COVID-19

• To serve as general hospitals for all NHS activities

• To provide extra capacity for COVID-19 patients requiring ventilation

• To replace existing NHS hospitals

Why was the Nightingale hospital in East London specifically created?

• To provide additional capacity for ventilated patients during the COVID-19 surge

• To act as a vaccination center

• To serve as a permanent NHS facility

• To be a training center for medical staff

What role did the British public play in managing the COVID-19 surge?

• They protested against the Nightingale hospitals

• They volunteered to work in the hospitals

• They complied with social distancing, helping manage the surge

• They ignored social distancing guidelines

What is the current status of the Nightingale hospitals according to the discussion?

• They are being converted into research facilities

• They are kept as an insurance policy for future needs

• They are being used for non-COVID NHS activities

• They are being dismantled

How has the NHS demonstrated its agility during the pandemic?

• By outsourcing all medical services

• By reducing the number of healthcare workers

• By quickly adapting and using military support to manage the pandemic

• By closing down all non-essential services