Local hospitals will be able to quickly activate surge capacity in the independent sector as part of the national Covid response.

NHS England has said that a three-month agreement with multiple independent healthcare organisations will see their staff and facilities put on standby to support the NHS should the Omicron variant lead to unsustainable levels of hospitalisations or staff absences.

The independent sector surge capacity would only be triggered if patients with coronavirus requiring treatment were to threaten the NHS’s ability to provide urgent care.

The deal comes on top of the NHS creating additional capacity within its own hospitals. Nightingale hubs are also being created in the grounds of some hospitals as part of the drive to create up to 4,000 ‘super surge’ beds.

Sir David Sloman, NHS England chief operating officer and COVID incident director, said:  “NHS staff have done an incredible job over the last year recovering elective treatment levels and then keeping non-Covid services going as pressures have built.

“As part of this millions of patients have already got their tests and treatment quicker thanks to our existing deal with independent providers. With the high number of Omicron cases placing even greater pressure on hospitals now and over the coming weeks, this deal, struck under direction from the Secretary of State, means as many people as possible can continue to get the care they need.

“It also places independent health providers on standby to provide further help should hospitals face unsustainable levels of hospitalisations or staff absences. Just like the Nightingale hubs being created across the country, we hope never to need their support but it will be there if needed. The public can play their part in helping us to help you getting vaccinated against Covid – it is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your friends.”