Dear Students,
We are proud that so many of you have asked about helping the NHS as it deals with the greatest public health challenge we have faced in the UK in a century. Thank you for your tremendous commitment to serving our community.
We are in detailed discussions with the NHS and relevant national bodies about how we can facilitate opportunities for you to volunteer to support the delivery of healthcare at this time of intense pressure.
Opportunities that we share will be in the area local to St George’s. In line with the current government guidance, we do not encourage you to travel. If you are no longer in the vicinity, please do not return to St George’s to volunteer. There may be the chance for you to support NHS provision in your current location.
Priorities for us are to minimise any risks to your safety, ensuring that you receive appropriate training for any role you take on and that you have access to any protective equipment you need. Alongside, we must ensure that you are able to progress with your education. We would not consider volunteering as mitigating circumstances in relation to your studies.
Over the coming weeks, we expect it to become clear how different groups among our student community can offer their time and skills to the NHS. Information about how to do so will go out to cohorts as details are finalised. Students should only volunteer if they are confident that they can fit this around any ongoing teaching, learning and assessment commitments.
No one should volunteer who is considered at higher risk of developing severe symptoms from Covid-19, including those with a relevant underlying condition, who are on certain drugs that affect the immune system or who are pregnant.
Please look out for further communications.
Best wishes,
Jenny Higham
Principal