A hospital trust has put out an urgent call to recruit volunteers.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust says it needs to recruit, train and deploy volunteers "immediately" to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The trust runs Watford General Hospital, one of the hospitals at the forefront of the public health emergency.

Last week, around 200 beds were in use by confirmed or suspected Covid-19 patients.

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Chief nurse at West Herts Hospitals trust Tracey Carter said: “Our response volunteers are key workers who play an essential role in our workforce.

"Their support is invaluable to our staff and patients. By providing an extra pair of hands, they can take the pressure off our hard working staff which allows them to focus on providing care.

"Even the simple act of having a chat with a patient can help patients to feel less anxious and that is priceless."

Volunteers will be asked to help with non-clinical tasks such as providing companionship, distributing meals, making drinks and running errands for staff and patients, as well as helping with administrative tasks.

After attending a three hour training session at Watford Football Club volunteers will be asked to cover a regular three hour shift on a weekday between 8.30am and 5.30pm. The service will expand to cover evenings and weekends in due course.

The trust's volunteer scheme is being done with the aid of Helpforce, which helps volunteers take the strain off frontline services.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email westherts.volunteers@nhs.net or call 01923 217307.