More than 170,000 people sign up for NHS volunteer scheme in less than 24 hours

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Northerner

Northerner

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More than 170,000 people have already signed up to work for the NHS volunteer scheme amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The government called for an army of 250,000 volunteers on Tuesday as the NHS struggles to cope with the rising number of Covid-19 cases. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the ideal candidates as being ‘people in good health’, whose roles would include ‘shopping, the delivery of medicines and support for those who are shielding to protect their own health’.

National Medical Director of NHS England, Professor Stephen Powis, announced on BBC Breakfast this morning that already 170,000 people have filled out forms – equating to roughly 189 people a minute.

Anyone wishing to sign-up as a volunteer can register online by visiting the NHS website, where they will need to fill out a form. Successful candidates will then be given login details for the ‘GoodSAM’ Responder app.

metro.co.uk

More than 170,000 people sign up for NHS volunteer scheme in less than 24 hours

The government called for an army of 250,000 volunteers on Tuesday.
metro.co.uk metro.co.uk

Remarkable response! 🙂
 
It would be even better if they could add.....

Everybody taken on will be regularly tested. If you are infected then we can't use you but we will good you good advice. If you have antibodies showing you have had the virus then we can use you if you cannot return to your normal work. If you are not infected then we can use you but will keep testing to make sure that you stay well.
 
My local trust have been advertising for volunteers at least since the end of last week. You have to be in good health and under 70 .
 
Docb said:
It would be even better if they could add.....

Everybody taken on will be regularly tested. If you are infected then we can't use you but we will good you good advice. If you have antibodies showing you have had the virus then we can use you if you cannot return to your normal work. If you are not infected then we can use you but will keep testing to make sure that you stay well.
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I doubt they will be tested as they are not resting the staff.
To volunteer normally you have to police checks that have sometimes taken along time.
 
Yeh, I know they won't be testing because that requires the powers that be to do something rather than giving out mixed messages about what everybody else should do. I would have much more confidence that things were properly thought through by information being put out by somebody other than the PR orientated politicians giving out press statements.

Did you see last night's press briefing? One of the experts had the good sense to say next to nothing whilst Hancock kept digging the hole he was standing in.
 
Docb said:
Did you see last night's press briefing? One of the experts had the good sense to say next to nothing whilst Hancock kept digging the hole he was standing in.
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The questions put to him were NOT answered clearly, he just repeated the government (imprecise) lines without taking account of the special circumstances being described to him :( TBH I think most of the current government are in over their heads, including the PM who probably thought he could sit back and relax after the election. No-one should be doing any non-essential work, at least during this - hopefully brief - period of lockdown. As I type there are three workmen outside my house laying fibre optic cables. Are they 2m apart at all times? Of course not :(
 
Can we, as diabetics, volunteer?
 
Just watched PMQ's. It was the same old waffle from the Boris in answer to direct questions. Everything will be done "as soon as possile". Exactly the same as was said to the same questions lst week. Broad statements all the time. Nothing was said against which you could measure progress.

We know the NHS are wodking flat out, we know that officials are trying hard to sort stuff out but what we want to know is exactly when it is expected that tasks will be completed so that everybody can make plans. Basic project management.

Boris' latest catch phrase is that the government will put its arms round everybody. I really don't think he sees the irony.
 
Docb said:
Yeh, I know they won't be testing because that requires the powers that be to do something rather than giving out mixed messages about what everybody else should do. I would have much more confidence that things were properly thought through by information being put out by somebody other than the PR orientated politicians giving out press statements.

Did you see last night's press briefing? One of the experts had the good sense to say next to nothing whilst Hancock kept digging the hole he was standing in.
Click to expand...
Yeah. I think rather than roll Witty out they should should let the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, do the public bits. She seems to be able to put things across in a more understanding way. I suspect she has more experience with patient facing role.
I have seen her a few times and she is always relatable.
 
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