65,000 retired doctors and nurses

[DianaT1969]

Being asked to return to help during the crisis according to a BBC article. But aren't most of them likely to be in the group who should self-isolate for 12 weeks? Has anyone on MN been contacted to return?

They’re asking those who retired within the last 3 years, OP. So they’ll all be under 70. Some of the doctors may even still be in their 50’s, as they retired to avoid massive tax bills when their pension pots reached the max limit.
It may not be ideal, but if (when) a lot of NHS staff fall sick themselves, we will need to get cover from somewhere- and no foreign countries have spare staff to send us, for obvious reasons.

Some Nurses and Midwives are able to retire at 55.
I retired within the last 3 years and am awaiting a letter. I will not be returning.
I was in the NHS for 37 years. No letter of thanks upon Retiring. I will not be returning to an 11.5 hour night shift with no break, or going home after a shift and not been to the toilet since before I left for work or not having time to look at any emails but don't worry because anything urgent is on the back of the toilet door so you can catch up whilst on the toilet (if able to get there). No more off duty late because "sorry but there's nobody to relieve you".
I could go on, and on, and on .................

A lot of older doctors/nurses are being asked to take up support roles (e.g. manning 111) to free up less vulnerable staff to be redeployed to wards.

You aren't the first person this issue has occurred to.

Vets are being prepared to help out if needed so retired ex-NHS staff who are able to do safe jobs and help those on the front line is a reasonable request.

Remember, it’s not compulsory and if it’s not safe or they don’t want to they do not have to say yes.

I for one would like to say a HUGE thank you to any who do come out of retirement to help support the NHS. It would be great to have some way of showing our appreciation properly!

Vets are being prepared to help out if needed so retired ex-NHS staff who are able to do safe jobs and help those on the front line is a reasonable request.

As long as they don't stick their hand up my bum I don't mind.

There’s also a significant number of younger people who have left medical careers for a variety of reasons. I hope they’re being included in the invitation to return.

My auntie is 'retired' (but since retirement has been working 2 days a week) and is in her 50s. There will be loads of ex HCPs not in high risk groups.

It's only those who've retired or left the profession since 2017 - they said on the BBC that quite a few were under 40.

And they don't have to say yes.

Is this voluntary or will they be paid?

Surely they will be paid. That magic money tree that couldn’t be found at the last election will turn up, plus all the money “saved “ by leaving the EU will come in handy now.

I think anyone who says yes to this deserves a bloody medal. The recent years in the NHS have not been easy, let's face it

I know two GPs. Both retired last year in their 50s. Don’t know if they are going to agree.

I think anyone who says yes to this deserves a bloody medal.

Equally I hope those who refuse aren't bombarded with criticisms and insults.

There are already healthcare staff continuing to work in the vulnerable group. I know two. And yes one may well come into direct contact with patients before diagnosis.

The only ones I know who are still under the vulnerable age group emigrated long ago.

It’s not only people who have actually retired but have let their registration go in the last 3 years I fall into this category and I’m in my 30s. Dreading it to be honest.

Dreading it to be honest.

You don't have to say yes. Please don't let MN or social media make you feel pressured into it

Where is the sign up though for those of us working for agencies or in the private sector outside the NHS??? We are still currently practising, registered with criminal record checks and ready to help out. Some of us have specialist ITU experience/ virology/ infectious disease experience etc! On another thread, an agency nurse contacted her local hospital to ask about joining their bank- to be told they aren't recruiting till April!!!

There is also a pool of trained nurses (mainly Australian and New Zealanders) on 2yr work holidays. Due to the time/cost of getting registered in the UK, they are working as an assistant, or even in bars! They too are a resource not being explored.

I've also checked on the nursing registration board, but the only information is the sign up for retirees. Nothing about a sign up for those working outside the NHS, but available to help!!!

I am six years out of the NHS so they won’t call me but quite honestly I’d be happy to help. I don’t know who I could approach though.

@Elouera out trust has put out a plea for all nurses to come to them directly.

They're also taking medical students in their last 2 years. This is serious.

They’re asking those who retired within the last 3 years, OP. So they’ll all be under 70.

A colleague’s dad is 70, has been retired for 8 years and has been asked to return as a GP to help out. I’m not sure if it was a formal request or if it came as a friendly ‘favour’ from his old practice directly though.

Received an email today from the NMC. I retired 3 years ago (nurse). I have filled in my application form to be on a temporary register. I also did over 35 years as a nurse before retiring. The crisis we are facing is unprecedented. All hands are needed.