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Hotels as Temporary Hospitals
One of the UK's largest budget-hotel chains Best Western Great Britain has said it is willing to turn its properties into temporary hospitals should the NHS need additional bed space during the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. All-in, this could provide 15,000 extra beds across 260 properties.
Along with the rest of the hotel industry, the chain has seen a large increase in cancellations over the past few weeks, and has said it is ready to take unprecedented steps to support the national effort.
Chief executive Ross Paterson said: "If the NHS wants additional bed space, and we can partner with other companies to provide the right medical equipment and supplies, and we can do it safely, then we would be willing to start having those conversations immediately. Whatever we can do to help."
The group is owned by Phoenix-based Best Western International, which owns over 4,000 independently owned properties in 80 countries around the world, meaning this move in the UK could snowball internationally.
