Help join the fight against COVID-19

St Andrew’s Healthcare in Birmingham, is urging people with a background in mental health to return to the profession to help tackle the Coronavirus outbreak.

Even though almost 4,500 retired doctors and nurses from across the country have signed up to battle the COVID-19 pandemic after a call from the Government, there is still a shortage in some areas of the mental health sector.

Our hospital in Birmingham, which looks after patients with complex mental health needs, is looking for anyone in the area with some experience of working in mental health to join us on a temporary basis. This could include mental health nurses who have retired or moved on to other roles, students who have recently completed placements in a mental health setting, or anyone who has worked as a Healthcare Assistant in a mental healthcare environment.

Catherine Vichare, Clinical Director at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Birmingham, said:

“Our employees are doing an amazing job at keeping our patients safe during this outbreak, but much like our colleagues in acute care hospitals, we’re also facing a shortage of staff in some areas, as some of our employees are either self-isolating or are unable to come to work as they have met the high-risk criteria.

“So if you’re someone with a background in mental health, and are looking for work on a temporary basis during the COVID-19 outbreak please do contact us.”

The hospital is also looking for those with a background in the hospitality industry such as cleaners and caterers to get in touch. We're also appealing to members of the community who might have a few hours a week spare volunteering for non-patient facing activities such as shopping, transportation and remote befriending.

St Andrew's is an integral part of mental health provision nationally, supporting the NHS and working in partnership with them. Those interested are being asked to get in touch via email on: IPU-Birmingham@standrew.co.uk