MP backs NHS volunteer reservists scheme plans
A move to create new system of volunteer reservists for the NHS has been backed by a Black Country MP.
The bill, which had its first reading in the Commons this week, calls for a new, uniformed standing reserve of clinical and non-clinical volunteers that can be called upon in times of need by hospitals and health trusts.
NHS Reservists could be called up to assist with public health emergencies, seasonal increases in demand, large public events and protests, industrial action, and critical incidents such as terror attacks.
It has been backed by Wolverhampton South West MP Stuart Anderson, who said the scheme would be modelled on Armed Forces reservists and police special constables.
Mr Anderson, a former British Army sniper, said: "The new NHS Reserves system will benefit Wolverhampton and enable local people to volunteer their time and skills to help our local hospital, GPs and pharmacies.
"I’m delighted to be backing this important new law in Parliament to support our health service.
"The pandemic has shown how much people love our NHS and how ready they are to support the service when times are tough, so I hope local people will consider becoming NHS Reservists when the system is ready."
The bill was put forward by Alan Mak MP and has been supported by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who 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."
Figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) indicate that 47,000 former healthcare professionals have volunteered to help the NHS during the pandemic, with another 750,000 non-clinical volunteers signing up online via the GoodSam app.
NHS figures show that around 18,000 of the clinical returners are interested in a longer-term role.
NHS England is launching place pilot schemes in all seven regions across England, including our region, to explore how the new reservists system could operate in practice.
Roles would range from clinical positions such as doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and carers to non-clinical roles such as drivers, electricians, logistics specialists, IT experts and communications professionals.
The bill is set to return for a second reading on March 12, 2021.
