AA offers free breakdown assistance for NHS workers

The AA is offering free assistance to any NHS workers who break down while driving to or from work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The offer is open to all 1.5 million NHS workers in the UK, including cleaners, nurses, porters, and surgeons.

The AA said it will help anyone with an NHS ID card, even if they are not a member of the AA.

There is likely to be a rise in the number of health care workers driving to work during the coronavirus pandemic, due to concerns about overcrowded public transport encouraging the spread of the disease as well as the introduction of free parking at hospitals.

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Over 400,000 people signed a petition urging the government to thank NHS workers for their work during the coronavirus pandemic by getting rid of hospital car park charges.

The government has pledged to provide NHS trusts with the money so they can offer free parking to workers.

The AA has also partnered with the London Ambulance Service to provide technical support to ensure that its fleet of more than 500 ambulances and 70 fast-response cars are roadworthy.

NHS workers can register on the AA website to receive a text message with contact details to obtain breakdown help, but they will still be able to get roadside assistance if they do not sign up.

The AA has also set up a dedicated hotline which NHS staff can call if their vehicle suffers a problem while they are driving to or from work, or at home.

AA chief executive Simon Breakwell said NHS workers are doing “an absolutely vital job” and “the last thing they need to worry about right now is a breakdown.”

“The idea came from numerous suggestions from our people indicating that the NHS are there for us, so we want to be there for them,” he said.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said it is “crucial that we put provisions in place” so NHS staff can focus on providing life-saving treatment.

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“Offering free breakdown service support will keep health workers moving and is a fantastic example of how organisations are pulling together during this crisis,” he said.

London Ambulance Service chief executive Garrett Emmerson said: “It is vital that all our key NHS people get to and from their essential work every day. It is very reassuring to know that the AA will be looking out for us should we need their breakdown assistance to help us along the way.”