Tens of thousands sign up to help Scotland's NHS deal with Covid-19

More than 22,000 students and former NHS and care workers have come forward to join or return to the health and social care workforce to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the Scottish Government launched its campaign four weeks ago, a total of 22,611 people have registered as of Sunday.

These include nearly 7,000 students and more than 3,000 nurses and 1,500 doctors.

The Scottish Government said more than 160 applicants to NHS Scotland are ready to be deployed and more than 3,600 returners are undergoing fast-tracked pre-employment checks.

The Scottish Social Services Council has matched 140 people into social care roles and a further 225 people are available.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: I thank the thousands of students and retired health and social care workers who have answered our calls for support, and put themselves forward to help the NHS response to Covid-19.

This has been an outstanding response and we are working with NHS Education for Scotland and our boards to ensure returners and students are deployed as quickly and effectively as possible.''

She added: While increasing capacity in our NHS is essential we must also do it safely which is why the processes, induction and training must be carefully followed and I thank those who have registered for their patience as we urgently work through these details.

The steps we are taking now are about targeting and prioritising our workforce where it is most needed which means adapting our staffing plans as we move through the different stages of this pandemic.

While not all of those who have applied to help will be needed immediately, the offers are very much appreciated, and this is giving us the scope to be as flexible as we can, so we can make the best use of the different talents which our students and returning NHS and social care staff are offering.''