'Your NHS Needs You' - health service chief salutes 'overwhelming response'

Well over 400,000 people have already signed up to volunteer for the NHS to help in its fight against coronavirus.

In just one day, the call to arms has seen a staggering 405,724 people sign up to help vulnerable people to stay safe and at home, exceeding the original target by over 100,000 people.

NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens praised the “overwhelming response” and thanked those who will devote their time to the health service.

Sir Simon Stevens said: “Times like this show just how generous the British people are and how much they value our health service - we are blown away by this response and the kindness of our country.

“I can’t thank those enough who have pledged to devote their time to helping others at what is a challenging and uncertain time for you and your families.

"The NHS is always there for you – now is your time to be there for us too.”

The volunteers will start roles from next week and help the 1.5 million who have been asked to shield themselves from coronavirus because of underlying health conditions.

Thanks to the surge of help, the NHS is now extending its target to recruit 750,000 people to its army of volunteers. People can still join the trusted list of volunteers by visiting goodsamapp.org/NHS and adding their details to the NHS section. 

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: “We are truly amazed by the number of people who want to come and help us in the war against coronavirus. I would like to thank every last one of you who are offering your time – you will without a doubt help us to save lives.

“Our NHS needs you – whether it’s by volunteering or simply staying at home – you are helping your families, communities and protecting our NHS.”

Members of the public can sign up as NHS Volunteer Responders and opt to do a number of roles, including:

delivering medicines from pharmacies;

driving patients to appointments;

bringing them home from hospital;

or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

The health service has joined up with the RVS and the GoodSAM app – a digital tool to help people offer their services.

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