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Building work has commenced on a new unit to house more than 50 extra beds at Wigan Infirmary as the NHS ramps up its response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Construction workers from the Darwin Group and Ainscough Industrial Services are working “at breakneck speed” to build the new unit, which will be in use by May 2 at the very latest.

Once constructed, it will house 52 new beds to cope with the pressure of the Covid-19 crisis.

Covid-19: Entire wards to be converted into Intensive Care Units at Wigan Infirm...

Work begins on a new temporary ward to treat Covid-19 patients at Wigan hospital

WWL Chief Executive Silas Nicholls said: "“We are changing how our hospitals function.

“Wigan Infirmary is pretty much going to become entirely devoted to looking after patients with Covid-19. We already have three wards set up for high, low and medium risk patients, in a controlled environment.

“What we are anticipating is that all the wards will switch to looking after patients who either have Covid-19 or are suspected to have it.”

Covid-19: Wigan Infirmary is building a new emergency ward to cope with Coronavirus