Coronavirus in Portsmouth: Former nurses and doctors asked to enlist in 'NHS army'

The NHS is telling 65,000 former workers they are needed to support fight against Covid-19.

Ex-medics would need to re-register with their professional bodies, the NMC and GMC. Those organisations are set to contact people who have left recently.

Final year medical students and student nurses are also taking on temporary fully-paid frontline roles.

An NHS England statement said: ‘Those who join the “NHS army” will be given a full induction and online training to help them to hit the ground running.’

Ex-staff will be surveyed on their skills and the time they have to dedicate to the pandemic.

It could include face-to-face work or manning the 111 phone number.

Around 50,000 nurses whose registration lapsed in the last three years are being written to, along with 15,500 doctors who left since 2017.

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, said: “As the health service gears up to deal with the greatest global health threat in its history, my message to former colleagues is ‘Your NHS Needs You’.

‘Our wonderful nurses in every corner of the country are preparing to change the way we work so that we can provide the right care for the rising numbers of people who will need it.

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'But we can’t do it alone, so I am urging all recent former nurses to lend us your expertise and experience during this pandemic, because I have no doubt that you can help to save lives. And I’m grateful for senior students providing expert care in this time with their NHS colleagues.’

For more, see england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/returning-clinicians

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS