The first hospital dedicated to helping coronavirus patients recover from the long-term effects of the illness has received its first patients.

Surrey's NHS Seacole Centre opened this month at Headley Court, a former rehab centre for injured soldiers.

Covid-19 patients can be left with tracheostomy wounds from having a tube inserted in the windpipe or need heart, lung or muscle therapy, the NHS said.

Others who have survived the virus may need psychological or social care.

Named after the pioneering Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole, who cared for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War, the centre is hosted by Epsom and St Helier NHS.

More than 100 staff members have been recruited to work at the centre near Leatherhead, with initial plans for 130 beds and capacity for up to 300 if needed.