The O2 arena to open as NHS training facility

The O2 is proud to be announcing today that in order to help support the NHS with their preparation for the large number of additional staff needed in the effort to tackle COVID-19, The O2 arena has been made available as an NHS training facility, operating from 12th April – 29th June 2020. The staff trained will go on to work at the NHS Nightingale field hospital at ExCel London.

The NHS will be using this as an educational training facility to prepare staff and no patients will be treated on site.

Steve Sayer, VP and GM of The O2 said:  “We are honoured that The O2 arena, usually buzzing with thousands of music fans, has being transformed into a vital NHS training facility to help on-board the additional staff needed to save lives at this crucial time. We would like extend our gratitude to the NHS, emergency services and key workers who are working so hard to keep us safe.”

While this will require further rescheduling of events booked to take place during this period, the priority for us all at this time is to help save lives and we know our customers will understand our desire to support the NHS in this way. The rest of The O2 will remain closed to the public until further notice.

We encourage our customers to play their part during these difficult times by following government instructions to stay at home and practice social distancing. 

Ends 

Note to editors

The O2 would like to make it clear that it will not be charging the NHS a hire fee for the use of the venue. Any costs incurred by the venue to provide services required by the NHS are being passed on at cost. The O2 will not profit from the NHS’s use of the venue in any way.

The O2 press contact:
Communications.team@theo2.co.uk 

About The O2

The O2 is the world’s most popular music, entertainment and leisure venue and has been visited by more than 70 million people since opening in 2007.

Home to The O2 arena, which hosts over 200 events a year, The O2 is also home to a second venue, indigo at The O2; Up at The O2, a climbing experience across the famous roof; ICON Outlet, London’s premium outlet shopping destination with up to 70% off 60 superstar brands; Cineworld, now London’s largest cinema with 19 screens; the 12-lane boutique Hollywood Bowl; Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park; over 30 bars and restaurants including the Street Food Quarter and ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’, an immersive theatrical and dining experience.