Madrid regional government has brought forward the closure of huge Ifema exhibition hall field hospital to tomorrow (May 1) after pressure on hospitals in the region has decreased significantly over the past two weeks.
Ifema – the Spanish ‘nightingale’ has attended to over 4,000 Covid-19 patients since it was installed practically overnight on March 21 when hospitals became saturated with coronavirus patients.
A small tribute to all the health workers – many of whom were volunteers – will take place tomorrow.
Ifema number 7 and 9 halls had 1,350 hospital beds (96 in ICU) and up to 1,000 medical staff and has been vital in saving lives during the health crisis: only 16 patients out of 4,000 died.
Madrid authorities last week announced the closure of Ifema field hospital within the next fornight, but it will not be dismantled as a precaution in the event of a second outbreak and could be fully operationally again within 48 hours.
