Robin Swann makes new appeal for doctors and nurses to come forward to help the health service battle Covid

With concerns growing over the soaring number of infections in Northern Ireland and the potential impact on the health service, Robin Swann said he was reopening the appeal which was first launched in March during the first wave of coronavirus.

The initial appeal saw 1,702 doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff successful in their application to work for the health service.

Minister Swann said: “This was a phenomenal response at such a challenging time and I thank each and every one of those applicants for stepping up at that time.

“We have now re-opened the workforce appeal to build capacity again with particular focus on certain roles and positions. I would urge anyone with the relevant skills and experience to consider applying to join or return to the health service.

“We are in an evolving situation that may require further recruitment drives going forward and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The new appeal is live atwww.hscworkforceappeal.co.uk

The previous appeal generated a total of 18,719 expressions of interest, i.e. initial assessment applications and 11,867 of these converted into formal applications based on their occupation, experience and the demand from trusts.

Overall, 1,702 applicants from the previous campaign were deemed to be recruited with 658 currently on standby in the Trust’s corporate staff banks, 145 applicants have been offered a job and are pending their acceptance with 899 appointed and deployed in the service.

Staff required through the new appeal include: medical, all disciplines and grades, nursing, including nursing assistants and phlebotomists, social care, including social workers, support workers (supported living), domiciliary care workers, allied Health, including physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacy, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, administrative, including clerical officers, booking clerks, team Secretaries and support services, including porters, domestic assistants.