Hospitals gain 100 new recruits to help tackle virus

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust is bringing in extra staff to ensure it can care for patients during the outbreak.

It has now welcomed workers to the new role of care-maker, who will help look after patients across all areas of its sites.

Many of the first recruits were students from Wigan and Leigh College. They have some experience with the trust or within a care setting and many have already started their six-month roles.

The trust is still looking for those with experience of working in a hospital environment or care setting to become part of the next group of care makers.

Chief executive Silas Nicholls said: “Last month we called for volunteers, students, retired healthcare professionals and some of our current staff to be redeployed.

“The response has been extremely positive and I’d like to thank those who have already joined or returned to provide their services, time and support.

“But we need more people. Whether you are clinically trained or have a bit of experience, and whether you can give a lot or a little time to help.”

These multidisciplinary care maker roles are part of a range of clinical and non-clinical paid and volunteering opportunities available within the trust.

As well as people applying for paid work, more than 60 volunteers have come forward to help during the pandemic and more are needed.

Chief nurse Helen Richardson said: “We’ve had around 100 people come forward to be part of this cohort of our care makers, which is just fantastic.

“These people will help to wash, feed and care for our patients alongside our dedicated nursing staff and will play a vital role in helping us to tackle this pandemic.

“We’re so proud to have them come on board with us and join our WWL family.”

To find out more, visit www.wwl.nhs.uk