An army of reservists is being called up to help with care home winter pressures in care homes in the Highlands of Scotland.

The initiative, which has been launched by NHS Highland, is designed to offer an expanded bank staff for care home and domiciliary care services.

An NHS Highland spokesperson said: “NHS Highland’s Care Reserves is a new initiative created to enhance support to the care sector during a time of fragility following the pandemic and in preparation for winter pressures.  

“The reserves will consist of people working flexibly, who may or may not already have care experience.  We are looking for people who are retired, looking to return to work or are already employed but have extra hours available. This is a Highland-wide programme and we would welcome people in rural communities as well as the city to apply.

“The commitment and roles are varied and are negotiable. This is an exciting opportunity to support Highland communities and earn extra income and gain experience while having control over the level of commitment. Training and mentoring will be provided before work commences.  Fair pay will be provided in line with NHS Scotland agenda for change.

“We have initially advertised internally to offer our staff and those on our staff bank the opportunity to express their interest. The response to this has been very encouraging and we are hopeful of rolling-out an external recruitment campaign in the near future.”

The trial is to begin in Inverness before being expanded to other parts of the Highlands.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government welcomes the NHS Highland’s Care Reserves initiative created to enhance support to the care sector during a time of fragility following the pandemic and in preparation for winter pressures.”