Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

National Health Service Reserve Staff

24 November 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Alan Mak Con Havant

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alan Mak raised concerns about national health service reserve staff in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Proposes a Bill to establish a system of reserve National Health Service staff.
  • Highlights the role of over 750,000 volunteers who signed up as NHS volunteer responders and completed more than 1 million tasks during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Emphasises the need for a formal national reservist structure within the NHS similar to other emergency services.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alan Mak Con Havant

Proposes a Bill to establish a system of reserve National Health Service staff. Highlights the role volunteers played during the coronavirus pandemic, noting over 750,000 people signed up as NHS volunteer responders and collectively completed more than 1 million tasks. Emphasises the need for a formal national reservist structure within the NHS similar to other emergency services like armed forces reserves, police special constabulary, and fire service retained firefighters. Outlines roles of clinical and non-clinical volunteers in the NHS Reserves, including providing general cover during emergencies or seasonal increases in demand. Mentions ongoing support from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Other contributors (1)
  • Alan Mak Con Havant

    Proposes a Bill to establish NHS Reserves, highlighting current volunteering efforts during the pandemic, existing volunteers' contributions, and the necessity of formalising these roles. Advocates for equal status and appropriate training for reservists as their regular counterparts.

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