The O2 arena to open as NHS training facility
The O2 has announced today that in order to help support the NHS with their preparation for the large number of additional staff needed in the effort to tackle COVID-19, The O2 arena has been made available as an NHS training facility. Operating from 12th April – 29th June 2020, the staff trained will go on to work at the NHS Nightingale field hospital at ExCel London. The NHS will be using this as an educational training facility to prepare staff and no patients will be treated on site. Steve Sayer, VP and GM of The O2 said: “We are honoured that The O2 arena, usually buzzing with thousands of music fans, has being transformed into a vital NHS training facility to help on-board the additional staff needed to save lives at this crucial time. We would like extend our gratitude to the NHS, emergency services and key workers who are working so hard to keep us safe.” While this will require further rescheduling of events booked to take place during this period, the priority for us all at this time is to help save lives and we know our customers will understand our desire to support the NHS in this way. The rest of The O2 will remain closed to the public until further notice.