UK Government approves further military support for Northern Ireland health service

The UK Government has today approved a request from the Department of Health (NI) for deployment of military medical personnel to support the accelerated rollout of vaccines in Northern Ireland.

Military medical personnel have previously supported front line healthcare staff in Northern Ireland on coronavirus wards, helping to treat the sickest patients and reduce pressures on the NI health service.

Commenting on today’s announcement Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP said:

As we continue the mass COVID 19 vaccination rollout across the UK, I’m pleased medically-trained personnel from our Armed Forces will support health and social care teams in the delivery of this unprecedented programme across Northern Ireland.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

Today I authorised the deployment of 100 defence medics to support the vaccine rollout in Northern Ireland from the end of this month.

Our Armed Forces are once again stepping up to support the UK’s response to the pandemic, working around the clock to protect our people in all four corners of the nation.

Notes to editor