AN APPEAL has gone out to qualified doctors, nurses and other key healthcare professionals not currently working in the NHS to come and join the frontline fight against the coronavirus.
The rallying ‘Rapid Response’ call has come from NHS Professionals which wants to hear from doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, ambulance practitioners, paramedics, physiotherapists, registered nurses and theatre practitioners.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust echoed the calls and urged any healthcare professional wishing to return to practice locally, to sign up with NHS Professionals which was supporting the area’s flexible workforce.
“Our staff across all our hospitals are doing a magnificent job in working to put patients first through one of the most challenging periods in the history of the NHS.
“This includes frontline staff working under tremendous pressure looking after Coronavirus patients and also those working tirelessly behind the scenes to support them.
“They have stepped up to the challenge and we are focused on helping them do their jobs to provide the care which is needed.”
A spokesperson NHS Professionals said: “We are calling all nurses and doctors, as well as other key healthcare professionals, to support our NHS in this time of need.
“You can help tackle the pandemic and provide a ‘rapid response’ to support essential patient care.
“If you are currently registered with the GMC, NMC or HCPC and have been working in a relevant healthcare setting, you can begin working in the NHS within 24 hours.”
The listed roles are the initial ones being sought but the net could be cast wider to others as the situation changes.
“If you work in any other roles and wish to support the NHS during this time you can.
“We value your skills, dedication and commitment in supporting your local trust and the NHS, and we believe together we can beat the pandemic and continue to deliver world-class healthcare service to our patients.”
Registration can be done by registering at https://go.nhsp.uk/rapidresponse
Local support will be available for anyone completing an application.
Visit nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/rapid-response for more information.
Anyone wanting to volunteer can also contact the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust directly on 01905 733725.
