Retired clinicians are being urged to return and help the NHS as it struggles to handle the mounting pressures of coronavirus amid surging cases across Hertfordshire and west Essex.

The NHS has issued an urgent call for nurses, pharmacists, doctors and other medically-trained professionals to support the Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

If you are a retired or former clinician, or you are currently not working clinically but have time to offer, your NHS needs your help at vaccination centres.

Sarah Browne, director of nursing at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, said: “By coming forward, you will be part of a team helping to deliver the largest and most important vaccination programme in the history of the NHS – and will help to ensure that the health service can continue to support everyone who needs it.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who is registered with a professional body, including nurses, therapists and pharmacists. You can express your interest by emailing your CV to hct.covidimms@nhs.net and our team will be in touch shortly to explain the next steps.”

The NHS in Hertfordshire and west Essex is under extreme pressure, with rising Covid admissions.

Vaccines are set to be rolled out more widely from early January, with vaccination centres set up in several towns.