GoodSAM app being used to recruit NHS volunteers
The GoodSAM app is being used to help recruit around a quarter of a million volunteers for the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.
The digital tool is usually used to alert those with medical training to nearby emergencies so that potentially life-saving interventions can be given before the arrival of emergency services.
However, the app is now being used to help recruit volunteers for the NHS by helping people offer their services to people in need.
NHS Volunteer Responders can be called on to do simple but vital tasks, including:
- Delivering medicines from pharmacies
- Driving patients to appointments
- Bringing them home from hospital
- Making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home
The service is not intended to replace local groups helping their vulnerable neighbours but is instead an additional service provided by the NHS.
GPs, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, NHS 111 advisers and social care staff will all be able to request help for their at-risk patients via a call centre run by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), which will match people who need help with volunteers who live near to them. Some charities will also be able to refer people to the service.
Dr Mark Wilson, GoodSAM co-founder, said: “GoodSAM has been saving lives through technology for five years by crowdsourcing resuscitation in cardiac arrest. We are hugely proud to now also be crowdsourcing volunteers to help those in need at this time of national crisis.”
All volunteers joining the NHS scheme will need to undertake training and background checks that are appropriate to the roles that they sign up for. All volunteers registering on the app will need to upload identity documents, driving license (for any driving related tasks), confirmation that they have insurance (if applicable) and any other role-related information.
People can become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers by visiting the GoodSAM website and adding their details to the NHS section.
Health and social care Secretary, Matt Hancock, added: “In these extraordinary times, it’s essential that we all pull together as part of the national effort to protect the most vulnerable, reduce pressures on our NHS and care system and save lives.
“If you are well and able to do so safely, I would urge you to sign up today to help the most vulnerable people in our communities as an NHS Volunteer Responder.
“Your help has the potential to make a real difference to some of those most affected by this outbreak – from delivering essential prescriptions to calling to check on the wellbeing of those self-isolating.
“I am immensely proud of how the whole country is coming together to help one another – we must continue to listen to and live by the latest medical and scientific advice and through this national effort we can truly make a difference.”
Disclaimer: You cannot sign up to volunteer through our comments section. Please visit the GoodSAM website to volunteer.
44 Comments
Sorry let me correction I have 5years nursing experience both Ward Asstiance and Care Giver in anyway i can help please contact me.
Hi Melissa,
Please sign up through GoodSAM: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS
Thanks
Trying to register but site is’nt letting me upload a passport photo
Have managed to register but keeps coming up email invalid …..what do i do
How do you upload a passport photo?
Part-time social worker. Currently self-isolating for 3 months but could offer telephone contact
I currently work in the NHS as a Medical Receptionist and Secretary in a GP Practice. I work 34 hours a week but am willing to help in any way that I am needed.
I have over 6 years experience of face to face contact with patients as well as over the phone.
There are a lot of worried and vulnerable people out there, I am reassuring, a good listener and calm. If there is anything I can do to continue to support the NHS at this difficult time I will.
I am a primary school LSA, at home from work as my 11 year old son has a compromised immune system and it’s not safe to risk going into work.
I would love to help in any way!
I am 74 yrs of age and work as a Mental Healrh Practiioner but due to my age cannot I have to self isolate. I have 40 years experience as a social worker plus many life experiences and wonder if I could be of use in your latter catagory of phoning isolated people. Because of my work experiences, I would like to support the more vulnerable isolated people in society who are particularly affected by anxiety and other mental health conditions.
I would like to volunteer for the support line.
Hi am a hgv driver with a clean licence I work Monday to Friday.. But finish at 12.30 everyday so could deliver or pick up any thing you need… Also am free at weekends.. I live in the Preston Lancashire area…
I am a private hire driver now out of work in the bb5 area
I live in Bournemouth and happy to help in anyway I can. I’m 40 and can drive – keep me posted.
I would happily phone people as I understand loneliness and would like to help.
Hi I have a full clean driving licence and an enhanced DBS. I am available to drive patients/equipment. I would live to help. I tried to register however I can’t see where to register. Btw thank you all for the amazing selfless work you are doing.
I am 62 years old and would like to volunteer to make phone calls
I am a certified motorcycle Instructor with good knowledge of London. I would be happy to courier for the NHS
I am a Medical Secretary of 46 years experience. I would be able help by listening and communicating on the telephone. It would be an honour to help.
Do you have a contact telephone number where I can register.I have had major fraud issues on my computer therefore very reluctant to use a pc
I am a 76 year-old retired dentist living in South Shields and would like to offer telephone support to the isolated if required.
Hi. I have given my details but not able to log in. Is there a problem or will you get in touch? Look forward to help!!
I’m 66 drive in good health have an upto date crb check am more than happy to do what ever is needed
I am 67 and isolating at home. I am always on the phone to family and friends and think I could put my conversations to good use by volunteering to be kind , understanding chat and listen to people who would like a call.
I’m a retired community pharmacist 59 with a clean driving licence & electric car. I would prefer delivering shopping in the Preston area and have joined a Preston Facebook group which hopes to offer that .. no duties received so far
I may consider reregistering (I received the RPSGB letter ) further in the epidemic
Having cared for my elderly parents over the last 4 years I could help transporting hospital patients
I am in the vulnerable person having to stay indoors , I would be more than willing to help with phoning other people who can not get out, or maybe also vulnerable
Like myself . Hope I can help
Angela Attwood .
Trying to volunteer to phone vulnerable people during the crisis but cant get on the GoodSam site to register . It says the page doesn’t exist! Tried several times
I am retired, have a car and clean licence. I also have been a volunteer with RVS who did my POVA check so am used to dealing with housebound disabled and elderly.
I am 77 years old. I do not think that I have/had the Virus. I drive a car. I am prepared to deliver medicines etc to those staying at home. Or make telephone calls to them. Do I have to bear the petrol expenses and telephone calls that I use?
My name is Lucy
I would love to help as many people as I can.. I would love to talk on the phone to people who don’t have anyone on the phone x
I am a retired staff nurse with learning disability and mental health I also have experience in general nursing and forensic nursing I am at present working for home instead care company but has just had a knee replacement 3 weeks ago so at present cannot be on the front line but would be willing to phone People to chat
which I do best as people may tell you later so I would like my my name forward any jobs that you may think I might be able to do I am a good listener
I can be driver
I am able to offer any support and listen to people struggling with self isolating over the phone. I am in my late 50’s and have a kind heart and am a good listener and communicator
Hi I will like to provide phone service. Thank you.
Good evening. I am a qualified dental nurse and I am available to help where it is needed. I can drive or offer phone support. I have recent DBS.
I am in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
I am self isolating I have asthma and copd but would be more than happy to volunteer from home x
I am a qualified social worker with current DBS. I want to help vulnerable members of our local community- shopping, picking up and delivering prescriptions, phone calls etc.
I am a 74 yo ex-nurse. I would be happy to chat to folk on the phone.
I work for nhs in the week and available weekends to deliver or take patients to aps
I can make phone calls.
Hi,
I am a taxi driver I am available to give free lift to nhs staff anywhere in oxford
I am a counsellor and im happy to volunteer on the chat phone line
I am a retired as a a staff nurse with learning disability and mental health I also have experience in general nursing and forensic nursing I am at present working for home instead care company but has just had a knee replacement 3 weeks ago so at present cannot be on the front line but would be willing to phone People to chat at which I do best as people may tell you later so I would like my my name forward any jobs that you may think I might be able to do I am a good listener
I don’t have any qualifications for this type of work but I have a clean driving licence. I’m 56 years old
I am 67 retired have full clean driving licence. I have DBS certificate.
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