Thousands more ventilators coming to UK hospitals next week

Michael Gove said the first of thousands of ventilators will be 'rolled off the production line' this weekend.

Thousands of ventilators will soon be delivered to hospitals across the UK in a bid to accommodate the surge in coronavirus-stricken patients.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said there are currently 8,000 ventilators deployed in NHS hospitals – but more are needed to cope with the pandemic.

Mr Gove said said on Tuesday evening that the government is buying more from abroad, including EU nations, and are developing new models at home.

He said: ‘I can announce that this weekend the first of thousands of new ventilator devices will roll off the production line and be delivered to the NHS next week. From there, they will be rapidly distributed to the frontline.’

Mr Gove said: ‘We have just over 8,000 ventilators deployed in NHS hospitals now. This number has increased since the epidemic began thanks to the hard work of NHS professionals, but we need more.

‘That’s why we are buying more ventilators from abroad, including from EU nations.

‘It’s also why we are developing new sources of supply at home.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow…