Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NHS and Public Bodies: Covid-19 Support

Monday 7 December 2020 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Defence has supported NHS trusts by distributing personal protective equipment, planning and staffing Nightingale hospitals, conducting testing, and supporting vaccine distribution.
  • Currently, 2,600 armed forces personnel are deployed for various tasks related to the COVID-19 outbreak, including mass testing and vaccine deployment.
  • There are 350 military liaison officers deployed to help local authorities with distributing PPE, testing, and vaccines.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
NHS
Context

The MP asks about the government's preparations for supporting NHS trusts and other public entities during the pandemic.

Question

What recent preparations his Department has made to support (a) the NHS and (b) other public bodies in their response to the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from James Heappey

Defence has supported NHS trusts by distributing personal protective equipment, planning and staffing Nightingale hospitals, conducting testing, and supporting vaccine distribution. A winter support package of 13,500 personnel with specialist capabilities is established to ensure continued support to the NHS and other civil authorities throughout the winter period.

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Q2 Holly Mumby-Croft
NHS Defence
Context

The MP inquires about the number and roles of military personnel engaged in various aspects of the pandemic response.

Question

Will he give a little more detail on how many armed forces personnel are currently deployed on covid-19 tasks and in which specific capacities?

Answer from James Heappey

Currently, 2,600 armed forces personnel are deployed for various tasks related to the COVID-19 outbreak. These roles include mass testing, vaccine deployment, planning and logistics support to local authorities, ensuring that Defence's expertise is shared around Government.

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Q3 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
NHS Defence
Context

The MP expresses appreciation for the military's support to civil authorities during the pandemic and inquires about further support for vaccination efforts.

Question

Will my hon. Friend provide an update on any discussions he has had with the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS about how the armed forces will support the roll-out of mass vaccination?

Answer from James Heappey

Defence is working closely with other Departments, particularly DHSC and BEIS, to assist on vaccine roll-out plans. About 60 military planners are integrated within the vaccine taskforce, and Defence has deployed 56 personnel for constructing vaccination centres.

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Q4 Caroline Ansell Con
Defence
Context

The MP highlights the military's role in testing units and enquires about details on military liaison officers deployed for vaccine-related operations.

Question

Could he tell the House how many military liaison officers have been deployed to date to help with these very localised planned operations?

Answer from James Heappey

Currently, 350 military liaison officers are deployed. Their expertise is valued by local authorities for distributing PPE, testing, and now vaccines. The MP's own council chief executive praised their contribution in Somerset.

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Q5 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
NHS Defence
Context

The MP raises concerns about resource allocation and personnel strain amid the ongoing support to NHS from armed forces.

Question

Will the Minister update the House with real detail on the steps he is taking to ensure that they have the resources needed to perform their vital work safely?

Answer from James Heappey

There are 2,600 service personnel deployed currently. The winter preparedness package is 13,500 people at readiness. We have not compromised Defence's ability to prepare for operations. Everything we do supports the country safely without threatening defence outputs.

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