TWO hundred student nurses from the University of Worcester have joined an ‘NHS Army’ in the fight against coronavirus.

They joined nearly 15,000 student nurses, midwives and medical students nationally poised to join frontline NHS teams.

Robert Dudley, head of the university’s Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “More than 200 of our student nurses have opted to support the NHS by taking paid placements at this difficult time, while many more are continuing with their course-related placements in hospitals and care settings and others are volunteering in their communities or supporting people in many other ways. We are working hard to support our students in every way possible, including establishing a new Shiftline service, which students can call before or after a shift to speak to a member of the University’s Counselling and Mental Health team if they need additional support. This is a really challenging time for the entire country and our students are making the most wonderful contribution for which we are all extremely proud of each and every one of them.”

Overall, more than 12,000 second and final year nursing and midwifery students and 2,213 medical students have so far enrolled to provide care and support nationwide, with the first of these now beginning to take up roles on the front line.

The newcomers will join more than 15,000 retired medics who recently left the health and care service but are returning to the fold.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, said: “These students are beginning their careers as the NHS faces the greatest global health challenge in the history of the health service. Their commitment to the NHS and all it stands for is as great as that of any previous generation, and the whole country will be both grateful and proud.”

Other second and third year university students in healthcare subjects – including dietitians, physiotherapists and radiographers – are also being called to serve on the front line. Students will work in hospitals and other healthcare settings across England. The plans also mean that students in their final year will be able to graduate at the end of the academic year as normal, ensuring more qualified professionals are available in future. First-year nursing, midwifery and medical students will continue with their studies, but will focus on academic work if clinical placements need to be paused to prioritise managing immediate care needs.