Health & Fitness
300-Bed Field Hospital Opening Friday At The NAC
A temporary field hospital will be going up at the Newtown Athletic Club to help with area healthcare needs during the coronavirus crisis.
NEWTOWN, PA — A temporary field hospital will be going up at the Newtown Athletic Club to help with area healthcare needs during the coronavirus crisis.
The temporary 300-bed hospital, to be set up by the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency, will be located at the club's sports training center. It will be used as an overflow hospital in the event that area facilities become overwhelmed during a potential surge in the coming weeks.
The space is currently being prepared and will be ready for patients by Friday, April 10, the NAC confirmed.
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NAC spokeswoman Linda Mitchell said the club reached out to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's office and other local authorities a few weeks ago with the offer to donate space for any purpose deemed beneficial to help during the pandemic.
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"We are very happy that they have accepted our offer and we are honored to be making this contribution," she said.
The 40,000-square-foot training center is an indoor field house designed for sports activities and special events such as large celebrations, exhibitions, car shows and more. The club closed last month due to Gov. Tom Wolf's mandate that all non-essential businesses shut their doors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"As a large open indoor space, it is perfectly suited to house this type of temporary emergency service. Having this overflow space available so close to area hospitals is critical to dealing effectively with the potential community need during this time," the club said in a statement.
NAC owner Jim Worthington said it was the club's privilege to help the community during the crisis.
“The NAC, since 1978, has stood as a staple and cornerstone of the community during some of our nation's most difficult and trying times. This hard time is no different - it is our privilege to be able to contribute and support our community in this small way," club owner Jim Worthington said.
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