Scotland Cares: Councillor returning to nursing to help in Covid-19 battle

A Fife councillor returning to nursing is among the tens of thousands of people in Scotland registered to help during the coronavirus crisis.

John Docherty, of St Andrews, is the SNP councillor for East Neuk and Landward. He was a nurse for 37 years before his election in 2012.

As the NHS battles to care for those hospitalised due to Covid-19 infection he has reregistered to join the healthcare workforce.

Last week the Scottish Government said more than 76,000 people had registered to help communities and public services through the pandemic.

Mr Docherty, 61, said: “Thank you to everyone who has come forward locally to support local charities, public services and health and social care.

“Some of you may have already started helping, others will still be in the process of undertaking checks or going through induction programmes.

“You are all a tremendous asset to your country and communities.”

Mr Docherty has received his letter of registration from the Nursing and Midwifery Council and is ready to begin work wherever he is assigned.

Before his retirement in 2013 he worked at St Andrews Community Hospital and is trained in both general and mental health nursing, with experience in caring for patients with infectious diseases. Latterly he was equality and diversity coordinator.

He said: “While I am looking forward to being a nurse again, it’s unfortunate the reason why, but we all have to come together and support where we can.”

Volunteers for are preparing for deployment through local induction programmes and many have already started delivering food parcels, essential supplies and medication to vulnerable people.

By the start of this month NHS Scotland had almost 700 applicants ready for deployment and more than 3,600 people returning to work and going through pre-employment checks.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said the Scotland Cares campaign which recruited them had been “massively successful”.

She said: “I am sure I speak for everyone across Scotland when I say we are appreciative and grateful for this public spiritedness which will ensure people across the country get the help and support they need.”