GMB, the union for NHS and ambulance workers, said private hospital beds should be taken back, rent-free to ease COVID-19 pressure.
It comes amid reports the Prime Minister is ordering the NHS to spend up to £2.4million a day on private beds during the coronavirus crisis.
The union, which has launched a petition on the Prime Minister to requisition beds, said the public health emergency requires the requisition of private resources for the public good.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary said:
"It’s time to take back these beds for the NHS. Rent-free.
“This is a public health emergency. Not a business opportunity for shoddy private healthcare chums to profiteer from distress.
“Not a penny of taxpayer cash should line pockets of grotesquely wealthy health firms. Private resources must be requisitioned for public good.”
