Hospitals and clinics across London’s Harley Street Medical Area (HSMA) are collaborating with the NHS to meet the continued need for specialist treatments being put under pressure while the fight against the COVID-19 virus continues.
King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone took less than 48 hours to respond to the call from the NHS, turning over all its resources in the fight against the virus and admitting its first NHS patients on 23 March. Since starting its NHS programme three weeks ago, the independent charitable hospital has treated 218 time-critical NHS cancer patients, ‘freeing up invaluable capacity’. The hospital has redeployed equipment as required, and put forward a number of volunteers to be seconded to the newly built NHS Nightingale Hospital in London.
Chief Executive, Lindsey Condron, said: “We are deeply committed and proud to be able to provide our support to the NHS in the fight against COVID-19. We have dedicated our wards, theatres, equipment, and staff indefinitely during this national crisis, and we will continue to serve in any way we can.”
The London Clinic is providing full access to its hospital campus, which includes a 13-bed level 4 advanced intensive care unit, cancer care unit, 10 theatres, and over 230 beds. The hospital’s healthcare team, including around 450 expert nurses and 900 leading consultants, will provide care 24/7 for as long as they are needed. Many staff from The London Clinic volunteered to work at NHS Nightingale, with 22 specialists selected by the NHS. The hospital is also loaning equipment including six ventilators and 12 pump and syringe machines.
Another major Harley Street healthcare group, HCA Healthcare UK, is providing care to NHS patients whose care and clinical needs are considered time-critical, having made available its full capacity of 837 beds, 38 theatres, and over 1600 registered nurse and theatre employees to the NHS. The healthcare group has also provided 22 ventilators, and called for volunteers to work at the London NHS Nightingale Hospital.
The Schoen Clinic (pictured) – a private hospital specialising in spine and orthopaedics – has contributed ventilators and PPE, and staff, including to the new London Nightingale facility. The Clinic is continuing to see patients via remote consultation, arranging and undertaking diagnostic imaging and prescribing treatment for those with time-critical conditions.
‘One of the most iconic businesses’ in the HSMA, John Bell & Croyden, is continuing to offer a primary care service. The pharmacy, which has served London for over 220 years, is operating a wholesale service, online, dispensing pharmacy, and private GP.
