Stay Connected to your Community and Fight Coronavirus

We are currently facing what has become our greatest public health emergency in living memory. The Government have pleaded for 250,000 people to help the NHS support vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic. This response has been unbelievable, and as a nation, we have been blown away by the selfless support exhibited with over 500,000 civilians already signing up in 24 HOURS! To thank the NHS workers who are working tirelessly throughout this crisis, thousands of us at 8 pm will be opening our windows and doors to applaud them for the incredible work they’ve done to support our country. #ClapForOurCarers 

NHS Volunteer Responders has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this an ‘army’ of volunteers needs to be put in place helping support the 1.5m people in England who are at most risk from the virus to stay well.

There is only a small collection of ‘key workers’ who are required to remain working during this pandemic; meaning if you can work from home you should. This means it’s very difficult for NHS workers to get any time off, unfortunately, there will continue to be an increasing shortage of workers due to themselves potentially getting unwell from the virus, or even if a member of their initial family gets sick they will also require to stay at home! 

Mr Hancock said 11,788 recently retired NHS staff had responded to the call to return to the service – 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff and 6,147 nurses. Also grouping  a large team of third year student nurses who are honourably graduating early to be put on the frontline to join the incredible workforce! 

“We’re seeking a quarter of a million volunteers to help the NHS for shopping, the delivery of medicines and supporting those who are shielded to protect their own health. ”

“The NHS volunteer responders is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and to make sure that the NHS and local services that are needed get all the support that they can.”

Having such a huge strain on the NHS, many nurses and doctors are having to put the lives of others above themselves, theses real life heroes are being extremely overworked and are simply exhausted due to growing demands. However, there are a few things that we can do to help ease the strain on the NHS. 

With the older generation being unable to leave their homes, why not put a flyer through their door offering to do a shop run or maybe walk their dogs for them, as they may not be able to do so. Just stop and think to yourself what good can I do today?  

The NHS has seen a significant drop in blood donations, this in itself has caused major implications to the day to day running of the hospitals with thousands of people in desperate need of blood in other crucial medical conditions. The NHS is aiding people who are over the age of 18 and in good health to please sign up. (https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS )

‘Our centres are open and you can still come to give blood. We have followed government guidelines to put special safety measures in place for social distancing.’

Social media plays a huge part in helping spread awareness and connecting with people in and around your local area. There will most likely be Facebook pages/ groups within your community, why not have a look online and add yourself to the page? This will keep up to date with all the vital information relevant to your location: who requires assistance, what shops are closed, what shops are open and extra precautions you need to make!

This pandemic has and will unfold many second-hand health issues. Not only has the demand for doctors and nurses risen dramatically but the demand of hospitalisation will grow a significant amount. Due to the excessive workload that nurses and doctors will be operating under and as numbers of coronavirus cases continues to rise, this could result in patients who are in need of urgent medical care being unable to be provided with the correct care and attention they need. This is exactly why you NEED to stay home and only leave your homes unless you’re going out for essentials for yourself of the vulnerable. #StayHome

If you’re looking to sign up in aid to help those most vulnerable then search for https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS in your browser.

Relevant Facebook Pages:

Coronavirus in Plymouth – latest updates, news, information and advice

Coronavirus Live – Devon

Help During Covid 19 Plymouth

IVYBRIDGE CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY RESPONSE