NHS and Public Bodies Covid-19 Support 2020-12-07
2020-12-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asks about the government's preparations for supporting NHS trusts and other public entities during the pandemic.
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?
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
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the number and roles of military personnel engaged in various aspects of the pandemic response.
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?
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
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP expresses appreciation for the military's support to civil authorities during the pandemic and inquires about further support for vaccination efforts.
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?
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
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the military's role in testing units and enquires about details on military liaison officers deployed for vaccine-related operations.
Could he tell the House how many military liaison officers have been deployed to date to help with these very localised planned operations?
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
Direct Answer
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The MP raises concerns about resource allocation and personnel strain amid the ongoing support to NHS from armed forces.
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?
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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