WEST Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has put out an appeal asking registered paramedics who live in the region to re-join to help treat the increasing numbers of patients, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The service says it has already significantly increased its capacity to deal with patients, but want to go further still to ensure all those who need it get the best possible care.

As a result, WMAS chief executive, Anthony Marsh, confirmed they are looking for any paramedics who retired within the last two years or are working in the private sector to get in touch.

He said: “Over the last couple of years, we know that several hundred staff have retired from our service after giving many years of outstanding care to the public.

“We would like those paramedics to consider returning to WMAS so that we can increase the quality and amount of care that we can provide the public in these challenging times.

“Equally, we have already had a number of paramedics who normally provide medical cover at events such as horse racing come to us to offer their services, for which we are very grateful.

“We want to boost the number of paramedics we have available as much as possible, so re-employing former paramedics and those who work in the private sector who would like to join us makes sense.

“For those who have retired, I know how much the time you spent with us meant to you as many of you have told me that when we have spoken. I wouldn’t ask you to re-join if I didn’t think it was the right thing for the public.”

Those who would like to join the Service either on a short term or long term basis are invited to apply via NHS Jobs (www.jobs.nhs.uk) an look out for Job Reference: 217-VN488-19-20.