The University of Worcester has made its nursing and healthcare training equipment available for use in the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “We are facing a national and international crisis. It is a matter of life and death that we all work together in this unprecedented situation. We, as a university, are doing whatever we can. We have been working with our partner NHS Trusts to ensure our 3rd year nursing and health professions students can join the NHS workforce early. We have outstanding simulation facilities and are making sure that this vital equipment, everything from specialist hospital beds, to screens and stethoscopes, is fully available to the NHS.”

Working with other universities and the NHS, the University has also been making arrangements to enable Nursing, Midwifery and other students on healthcare courses, to go into practice to assist in the crisis, with continued support from University staff. Further work is also happening to allow students to work in a wide range of other professional capacities, to assist nursing homes and other providers of essential services for vulnerable people.

Meanwhile, many of the University’s health staff, who are registered professionals, have volunteered to be seconded to the NHS.

Dr Julian Berlet, Consultant Anaesthetist and Divisional Director at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are very grateful to the University of Worcester for the additional equipment, and to Lambs Removals for generously arranging for it to be delivered so quickly. The kit - which includes beds, trolleys, monitors, defibrillators, drip stands, privacy screens, gloves and masks – is vital as we continue to ensure our hospitals are prepared to care for increased numbers of patients we are expecting over the coming weeks. We are also looking forward to welcoming the 3rd year nursing and health professions students, as well as many of the University’s health staff, who will be joining us as we work together during this unprecedented situation.”