Nus Ghani extends her thanks to the 20 Wealden residents who have signed up to return to the NHS frontline, in the fight against Coronavirus.
This comes as 27,000 healthcare professionals nationwide have taken up practice again, including over 15,000 doctors. The 20 Wealden residents are all doctors, most of which have decided to temporarily press the pause button on their retirement.
In an emergency, the UK government can activate Section 18A of the Medical Act (1983) and has asked the General Medical Council to give temporary registration to doctors, to provide cover in a range of roles. Since the powers came into effect on 25 March, the GMC has already given temporary registration to nearly 15,500 doctors.
Nus Ghani stated:
‘I have been moved by the many acts of kindness and by the community spirit in Wealden, throughout this crisis, from people helping their self-isolating neighbours with their shopping, to widespread volunteer networks being set up.’
‘I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to the latest people to join Wealden’s efforts to overcome this challenge: the 20 doctors who have decided to return to the NHS. Their help will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the situation and will be cherished by everyone in the constituency, not least by patients suffering from Covid-19 and their families.’
‘I would also like to pay tribute to any local residents who have answered the Government’s call for NHS Volunteers. The scheme has reached the 750,000 applications mark, thrice the initially planned target, in only a couple of days. It has now been paused, to allow for the processing of application forms. This shows the determination, both in Wealden and in the UK, to send this virus packing and return to our normal lives.’
