Coronavirus patients could be treated in a new £4m ward at the county’s largest hospital from next month.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Cobb, chief operating officer at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. Pic:ture: ArchantChris Cobb, chief operating officer at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. Pic:ture: Archant

The single-storey specialist isolation unit is being built next to an out-patients block at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) off Colney Lane.

Chris Cobb, NNUH chief operating officer, said: “This highly-specialised unit will provide nine negative pressure beds to treat our very sick Covid-19 patients. Negative pressure beds are in rooms which prevent cross-contamination of any virus. We expect the first patients to be admitted next month.”

MORE: N&N working with private hospital to ensure cancer operations go aheadThe temporary unit will be in place for three years, according to the design and access statement.

It said: “The isolation ward is key to aid in the treatment of Covid-19 at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The building is the minimum size for the needs of the hospital.”

Nine disabled parking spaces will be lost for the unit.

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