Croydon hotel takes in coronavirus patients to ease pressure on NHS

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A Croydon hotel has opened its doors to coronavirus patients to ease pressure on the NHS.

Best Western Plus London Croydon Aparthotel in Thornton Heath has been accommodating patients from King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill.

As well as accommodation for patients to recover, there are spaces that can be adapted for clinical care, if needed.

Rob Paterson, chief executive of Best Western Great Britain, said: “Hospitality working alongside healthcare could help the country get through the next few months and we are delighted that we have been able to start providing beds and accepting clients for self-isolation at our Croydon site.

“This is the culmination of over six months working towards a professional solution to support the NHS and local hospital trusts and could be a game changer for Britain.”

All the rooms and reception area at the hotel off London Road have been adapted, including the use of new air steriliser units.

A spokesman at King’s College Hospital said:  “To create capacity in the hospital to care for the high number of patients requiring admission, we have partnered with a local hotel to temporarily accommodate mainly homeless patients who are ready to safely leave hospital and will benefit from further support from community partners.”

But there are some concerns about the care that those moved to a hotel can be given.

National charity The Patients Association, supports the rights of patients and their families

Chairwoman Lucy Watson said: “The pressure on the NHS from the demand for hospital care from the enormous number of patients with Covid is unprecedented.

“This is a dire situation, in which the NHS often has no good options available.

“Care by volunteers in hotels is not an adequate substitute for proper hospital care, but at a time when hospitals are overwhelmed by critically ill patients and striving to prevent loss of life on a large scale, clearly they will be making desperate choices.”

Pictured top: Best Western Plus London Croydon Aparthotel in Thornton Heath