The health secretary has announced plans for a 250,000-strong volunteer force to help the NHS deal with the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
"We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health to help the NHS, for shopping, for the delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielding to protect their own health," Matt Hancock told the government's daily COVID-19 news conference
And the health secretary revealed that a total of 11,788 have responded to this, including 2,660 doctors, more than 2,500 pharmacists and other staff and 6,147 nurses
"I pay tribute to each and every one of those who is returning to the NHS at its hour of need," Mr Hancock said.
Meanwhile, some 5,500 final-year medics and 18,700 final-year student nurses will "move to the frontline" next week
Thank fuck for the NHS,i don't ever want to have to argue about it's value again,the people that work in it are amazing,selfless people,those who were in favour of selling it off think again