NHS Volunteers

[rookiemere]

Apologies if there is already a thread on this and I've missed it - I did have a look but didn't see anything.

Is anyone volunteering to help the NHS? I'm really conflicted about it. On the one hand I would love to help and do something and as I work a 4 day week selfishly I may as well be doing something with my non paid day. On the other hand I'm reading that there isn't enough protective gear for NHS workers themselves so wouldn't you be putting yourself through high chance of repeated exposure to the virus and end up adding to the hospital bed numbers.

I can't do anything about it at the moment as I'm laid up with a weird lurgy that may or may not be the C virus. If there were tests and I'd had it then I'd feel much safer volunteering.

You can choose your days and tasks you feel comfortable when you sign up. Well, it was the case with the Bexley portal. Good luck many hands make for light work!

Yes, LEE there are boxes that you tick to state which work you could do. One is phone contact with isolated people.

Click here for more info www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders

Not every role has exposure to the virus

I've signed up to deliver stuff and have phone contact with isolated people.

@Bulb1976 just a quick 'virtue signalling' wave!

I’ve signed up for the phone contact.....I’m already supporting both sets of parents (all over 70 and one with significant health issues) and both DC returned from uni so want to stick to strict social distancing as much as possible in case they have returned with the dreaded germs!

Has anyone heard back yet? I haven't

I've not found anything for NHS Scotland as yet, though did get registered with the Red Cross.

I'll happily collect and deliver things. I'd also be a hospital porter if it was an option.

@Mitzdob heard nothing, but they've had way more responses than expected so verification will take longer than they advertised I expect.

Not heard anything yet either.

I'm an ex nurse although been out for five years so not in the first wave of people called back. I have applied for a HCA job though and will take that if offered.

My uncle is doing phone based stuff and cousin has volunteered to do driving!

This is the email I just received (am in Bucks):

Thank you for your enquiry to volunteer for NHS Volunteer Responders. Due to high volume of enquiries we may take between 2 and 7 days to check your identification. Please also be aware that we are not planning to start any volunteering until after the 31st of March 2020.

Thank you for your patience and once again thank you for your support.