University of Bristol makes 100 rooms available for NHS workers

By Teddy Coward, Third Year English

The University of Bristol (UoB) has made its student accommodation on 33 Colston Street available for NHS workers battling against the coronavirus, providing a total of 100 rooms for frontline staff and volunteers.

The accommodation, located a brief walking distance from the Bristol Royal Infirmary, will be offered at a reduced cost to recently qualified doctors from UoB's Medical School, as well as third-and fourth-year medical students who are stepping up to tackle the ongoing pandemic, for as long as necessary.

Colston Street tenants were sent a letter at the end of March by the University's Accommodation Office, asking them to offer their rooms for their scheme, whilst current residents were asked to move to alternative accommodation. The University, which has helped with the relocation process, says students have been overwhelmingly supportive, with some even leaving behind toiletries and food for the incoming NHS residents.

Third-year Mathematics student Joel Bullivant, who lived at the accommodation earlier this year, said: ‘I think it's fantastic that the University has been able to offer accommodation to those who are out there fighting our battle for us. The overall support for this initiative from the students living there now is equally commendable.

‘Given the recent history of the building on Colston Street - that it was devastated by a fire and had to be fully refurbished a few years ago - it's great to see people pulling together in a time of crisis.’

On Friday, 220 final year medics graduated via a virtual ceremony, allowing them to join the NHS frontline earlier than originally planned, in order to help combat Covid-19.

UoB have also made two of its largest car parks available to staff at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and have donated personal protective equipment (PPE) to regional medics. The University's Veterinary School in particular have been part of a nationwide effort to deliver PPE to healthcare professionals across the country.

‘We're all really eager to help out’: final year medical students likely to be working as doctors before the end of the month

Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, has said: ‘Whilst we find ourselves in exceptionally difficult circumstances, we've been blown away by the response of our students and staff, who are working so hard to make a difference to others.

‘As an NHS worker myself, it's incredibly touching to see how our student community has stepped up to give their rooms to my colleagues, who are at the epicentre of the pandemic.’

Featured Image: University of Bristol

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