The caretaker of a church neighbouring the new Millbrook field hospital has made the most of a “unique opportunity to capture a bit of modern history” in a timelapse video paying tribute to the efforts of all involved in building the Nightingale facility.
Shot by Gary Stringfellow of St Matthew’s Glass Church, the video shows the rapid construction of the outer shell of the temporary hospital over seven days.
The 180-bed build is due to be opened next month, aiming to provide extra treatment facilities for covid-19 patients in the event that the hospital gets overwhelmed.
The main frame of the building was put together by Dutch company Neptunus, whose workers were given a round of applause as they completed their final shift on site last week.
Video: Mr Stringfellow's timelapse captures the project's progress in great detail.
Meanwhile, J3 – a partnership between the local Garenne Group and Sir Robert McAlpine, which has overseen field hospital projects in the UK – is managing the overall project.
The site office, meanwhile, has been located in the neighbouring St. Matthew’s Glass Church.
Having watched the process unfold in great detail as a result, Mr Stringfellow said he was keen to capture the significant moment in local history in a video, which features comments paying tribute to all those involved in the project at the end.
Video: Neptunus workers were applauded for their help as they got ready to leave the island.
However, the script adds that the "biggest thank you" must go to those who will eventually staff the Nightingale facility, working "tirelessly to enable people to be able to recover as fast as possible from the covid-19 virus without a second thought".
Mr Stringfellow told Express: “It is amazing for St. Matthew’s Glass Church to be so close to a project that will ultimately help to save lives if used.
“I know the Vicar, Phil Warren, believes that the presence of the church will be a great comfort for those inside the Nightingale Hospital.
“It will be the only time I will be praying that the Government has wasted some money if not used.”
Jersey 'Nightingale' hospital to be built at Millbrook
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