(Alliance News) - Spire Healthcare Group PLC on Wednesday committed to assisting the UK National Health Service regarding the purchase of capacity from independent hospitals.
The private hospital operator noted the letter from NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens which stated that the UK healthcare service is in the process of block-buying capacity in independent hospitals.
In his letter, Stevens said that the purchases - expected to be completed in two weeks - would make staff and facilities in concerned independent hospitals "available for urgent surgery". He added that beds, operating theatres and recovery facilities would be repurposed to provide respiratory support for Covid-19 patients.
In response, Spire Healthcare said it remains fully committed to using its resources to support the NHS.
"Spire Healthcare confirms that it continues to provide both planned NHS and private care in its hospitals until the point when focus switches to supporting the Government's efforts in combatting this disease."
This comes after the private hospital operator said last Friday that following a meeting with the NHS and other entities from across the private sector, it was asked to offer support and agreed to help with Covid-19 planning.
Shares in Spire were trading flat at 61.45 pence each on Wednesday morning in London.
By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com
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Spire Healthcare (SPI)