Health Minister Richard Renouf yesterday welcomed an agreement to extend the lease for the facility, which opened at Millbrook playing field in May but has not yet been used.
The original lease ended on 31 July, and it has now been extended to 31 March.
Deputy Renouf said: ‘Medical experts acknowledge that there is still a risk of an increase of cases over the winter months, so it’s important the government continues to listen and respond to that advice.
‘The Nightingale Wing offers us security, and the knowledge that, if we are to face a second wave of Covid-19 in the Island, we have the infrastructure in place to look after our patients.
‘The Nightingale Wing is Jersey’s insurance policy, and although this means an increase in cost, it is reassuring that we have a top-class facility if we need it.’
He added: ‘We have a much better understanding of how this virus works now, and our strategy is still to take medical advice. We will continue to implement all necessary measures to reduce the risk of spread to Islanders and protect the wellbeing of our community.’
An overall budget of £14.4 million has been allocated to the Nightingale project. The government said that the cost of extending the hire contract to the end of March 2021, which is projected to cost £1.6 million, is expected to be met from within the budget.
Letters are being sent to almost 900 residents in the area notifying them of the extension.
