Published on: 9 April 2020
As part of planning regionally, the Local Resilience Forums (groups made up of partners including councils, NHS, Police and Fire services) have identified a number of sites in the North East to provide short-term ‘rest’ areas for those who have sadly died as a result of COVID-19 while burial or cremation arrangements are made. Locations across the region have been chosen based on practicality and space available and does not reflect the number of anticipated deaths in each area.
The Ministry Of Defence is currently installing these temporary facilities on our hospital sites at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. These will not be a place for families to visit loved ones, but will provide a safe and dignified environment, whilst funeral arrangements are made.
Joint media statement on behalf of South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust:
“As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans across all partner agencies are now very well advanced and contingency arrangements are being put in place as we prepare for a peak in cases.
“Sadly, this also means we need to be prepared for the potential of more deaths across our local communities. To support with this and, as a precautionary measure, temporary facilities will be installed this week in a number of locations across the region, including South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.
“These temporary facilities will provide short-term ‘rest’ areas for those who have sadly died as a result of COVID-19. They will not be a place for families to visit loved ones, but will provide a safe and dignified environment, whilst funeral arrangements are made.
“Upholding the dignity of those who have died while being respectful towards their families at this difficult time is at the heart of our plans. We also recognise this is a very difficult time for all those NHS staff working in areas where these temporary facilities will be located.
“Over the coming days Ministry Of Defence personnel will be transporting and installing the temporary facilities which will be screened from the public.
“Locations have been chosen based on practicality and space available and does not reflect the number of anticipated deaths in each area. We would ask media to maintain a respectful distance at all times”
