NHS in talks with Wyboston Lakes near Bedford about using facilities for convalescing patients

The Wyboston Lakes Resort has confirmed it's in talks with the NHS to help free up beds during the coronavirus crisis.

Steve Jones, managing director, said: “We are already in talks with the NHS about some of our facilities being taken over in the short-term for those patients convalescing following surgery or illness.

"This in turn will free up valuable beds in hospitals for those COVID-19 patients who need them most. We will keep liaising with all parties over the coming weeks."

He added that after the Prime Minister's announcement the hotel, events and training venues have closed until further notice at Wyboston.

“We welcome the financial support that the Chancellor is providing and as a result we will ask the majority of our team members not to work until further notice. We will keep a core team working full time in order to keep the business interests running and ensure a smooth transition to re-opening when the time comes."

He added: “No employee is going to be paid less than 80 per cent of their salary while they are not working and nobody has been made redundant. Those required to continue working will be paid in full. We will still be paying substantial amounts in salaries ourselves along with all our other obligations.

“We look forward to the day when we can re-open, when our team members can return to work and when we can start welcoming our valued guests back here.

“We are a strong business which has been trading for more than 30 years. We pride ourselves on caring for our customers and our team members and we will continue to do so. We are optimistic about the future once this pandemic is under control.”