As you are probably aware, there are a number of new medical facilities being built across the UK to treat patients with COVID-19. Please note that this is an initial call for regions across the UK, in preparation, should they need auxiliary support in the coming weeks.

In order to maintain patient care, many clinical and support staff have been drafted in from their Trusts to take up roles within these field hospitals. However, this will leave both the Trusts and the Field Hospitals short of technical and logistical support, which they will need over the coming weeks.

We have been approached by the Royal Academy of Engineering, on behalf of NHS England, to ask if we as a Professional Engineering Institution could support the NHS in providing technical expertise to the Health Service over the coming weeks.

Of course, we do not wish any of our members to place themselves in harm's way, but we also recognise as engineers we have a duty of care to society which we are proud to uphold.

We have been provided with a job description for Auxiliary Engineering Support which is attached to this email and outlines the type of tasks and experience required. Below is a link to the Academy’s website, were you can complete a short form to add your name and competency details to a database of volunteers.

We have been advised that while you are termed volunteers you will be given some financial recompense for your service (this is yet to be finalised) and for those that need it, hotel accommodation at the Field Hospital sites and close to the Trusts will be provided. Appropriate training and supervision will also be provided by NHS Clinical Engineering staff.

This is not a decision to take lightly.  You will be in close proximity to populations of infection and you may see upsetting scenes.  We therefore ask that you consider this request very carefully; discuss it with your family and consider your own health before submitting your application.

We thank you for your help and support at this time.

Please view the job description and register your interest here

Auxiliary Engineering Support Job Description