A mothballed ward at Coalville Community Hospital is being fitted out today (Fri) with new beds and medical equipment to create extra capacity for coronavirus patients.

The move is part of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust's preparations to cope with increases of coronavirus-positive cases.

Eighteen beds, mattresses, bedside cabinets and over-bed tables - along with infra red non-contact thermometers and oxygen concentrators - are all being moved into the Thringstone Ward which has not seen patients for more than five years.

A trust spokesman told Coalville Nub News: "The ward is being fitted out to be ready in case it is needed on top of extra capacity which has already been created.

"At the moment we are not sure if the ward will be required, but it will be ready if it looks likely we are reaching capacity elsewhere."

Coronavirus-positive patients are already being treated at Hinckley and Bosworth Community and Melton Mowbray hospitals.

Two additional wards - previously used as training and meeting rooms - are about to open at Loughborough Hospital to provide an additional 36 beds in addition to 24 in the Swithland Ward.

Extra coronavirus patient capacity is also being created at Leicester's Evington Centre.

The trust says there is the possibility of further beds being made available elsewhere as the need arises.