Coronavirus: Welsh Government urges retired and former NHS and social care staff to return

The Welsh Government is urging retired and former health and social care workers to return to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

People who have left or retired in the last three years will be asked to re-register with their relevant professional bodies. They will be asked what role they could play and how much time they can dedicate.

Final year medical students, student nurses and student social workers are also being offered temporary, paid roles.

All returning staff will be able to ‘opt-in’ to a register to fill a range of clinical and non-clinical roles across the NHS and social care sector, based on their skills and time away from practice.

The Welsh Government say more than 5,000 letters have been already sent to retirees across a range of roles.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething also announced changes to community pharmacy hours to allow staff to restock.

Pharmacies will be allowed to open an hour later, and close an hour earlier. They are also allowed to close for two hours during the day if required.

He urged "flexibility" to help vulnerable patients.

The Health Minister confirmed that testing of frontline healthcare staff would increase.

From the start of April, 6000 coronavirus tests a day will be carried out. This will rise to 8000 a day a week later.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know: