Havant MP Alan Mak reveals plan to create crisis army of NHS reservists to help in emergencies and terror attacks

The scheme, similar to those modelled for part-time forces by the military and police, would see healthcare workers scrambled to reinforce overstretched hospitals.

Havant MP Alan Mak came up with the idea as part of a new law, which is set to go before parliament tomorrow.

If successful, pilot schemes could begin early next year and see volunteers support the coronavirus vaccination effort.

The plan would create a new national database of volunteer health workers would be created, who could be called into action in the event of an emergency, like a terror attack or major disaster.

It came as the Department of Health and Social Care revealed an estimated 47,000 former healthcare professionals volunteered to help the NHS on the front lines in the war against coronavirus.

Mr Mak said: ‘The pandemic has shown how much people love our NHS and how ready they are to support the health service when times are tough.

‘The new NHS reserves system will enable people to volunteer their time and skills to help hospitals like the QA, and our GPs and pharmacies – a positive, long-lasting legacy after coronavirus that will benefit the health service in Havant and our region for years to come.’

Health campaigners in Portsmouth and Conservative bigwigs in Westminster have since thrown their weight behind the revolutionary reform.

Roger Batterbury, of campaign group Healthwatch Portsmouth – which scrutinises NHS services locally – said: ‘I think this is a fabulous idea, it seems quite innovative.’

NHS figures show that out of the group of former clinical healthcare workers to volunteer during the pandemic, some 18,000 have expressed an interest in supporting longer-term roles, like joining the reserve force.

All volunteers under the scheme would be trained and vetted before being accepted onto the bank of reservists.

Health secretary Matt Hancock championed the scheme and said: ‘Hundreds of thousands of people have selflessly volunteered to support our NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, bringing out the very best in us all to help our communities and our country at this difficult time.

‘I want us to build on that incredible collective achievement, and Alan Mak’s proposal for an NHS reserve force is a brilliant opportunity to make this happen.’

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