Hundreds of armed forces medics have been deployed to hospitals in the South West, including Dorset County Hospital, to support the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine.

More than 100 defence medics are supporting hospitals in the South West, working in intensive care units and other patient facing roles, providing care alongside NHS professionals and general duties to fulfil non-clinical roles and help relieve pressure on the NHS where it is needed most.

A spokesman for Dorset County Hospital said: "The MoD has deployed service personnel to support the NHS in the South West region for the next few weeks, carrying out a range of duties. We are grateful for their support.

"It remains crucial that everyone helps by staying at home, using healthcare services appropriately and following hands, face, space."

The majority of the 800 defence medics supporting hospitals are trained as combat medical technicians, who in their day job deploy on overseas operations and exercises as medics, work in defence medical centres and provide medical training to fellow service personnel.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: "Defence medics are now deployed on the homefront in the highest numbers during peacetime, supporting the NHS in testing, vaccinating and hospitals.

"I spoke with Armed Forces personnel deployed in all four corners of the United Kingdom, helping communities across the country to combat the effects of this virus. They are working hard alongside colleagues in the NHS and local authorities, but are ready to do more if and when the call comes."

More than 5,000 Armed Forces personnel are now deployed across the UK helping with testing, vaccines and supporting the NHS, as well as 20 vaccine quick reaction force teams to help administer vaccines wherever needed.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We're on track to meet our target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable groups by February 15.

"Everyone can play a part in our fight against the virus and I'm grateful to the extraordinary efforts of our Armed Forces who are doing their bit to help deliver the biggest medical deployment this country has ever seen.

"Working alongside our healthcare heroes and local partners, they will help support the roll out of the vaccine as quickly as possible across the UK."

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