Work has begun on the construction of a new 'surge hub' to treat Covid-19 patients if hospital admissions increase in the coming weeks.

The so-called 'Nightingale' facility is being erected in the main car park of the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford in anticipation of a wave of hospital admissions driven by spiralling Omicron infection rates.

Fencing has been put up around the site and workers are starting the building of the overspill unit, which will be capable of accommodating 100 patients.

Visitors to the hospital have been turned away from the car park, which is now inaccessible to the public.

The facility - one of eight new 'surge hubs' nationwide - will be led by hospital consultants and nurses, but with other clinical and non-clinical staff brought in with rapid training.

Announcing the new Nightingale units, Health secretary Sajid Javid said: "We've backed the NHS at every turn throughout this pandemic to make sure it provides the care and treatment people need.

"I want to thank the tireless efforts of our health workers on the frontline who are delivering for patients every day.

"We hope the Nightingale surge hubs at hospitals will not have to be used but it is absolutely right that we prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity."

The NHS says trusts have been asked to identify areas such as gyms and education centres that could be converted to accommodate patients.

If required, more Nightingale sites could be added to create up to 4,000 extra beds across the country.

NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: "Given the high level of Covid-19 infections and increasing hospital admissions, the NHS is now on a war footing.

"We do not yet know exactly how many of those who catch the virus will need hospital treatment, but given the number of infections we cannot wait to find out before we act and so work is beginning from today to ensure these facilities are in place.

"We hoped never to have to use the original Nightingales and I hope we never have to use these new hubs."

KentOnline has asked the East Kent Hospitals Trust about where visitors are now meant to park.