STUDENT Danielle Hollick is in the second year of her nursing degree and has become one of a growing number of undergraduates to sign up to work on the NHS frontline to help in the battle against coronavirus.

Danielle, aged 42, is studying at the University of Bolton, is one of 320 students from there, who are in the second and third year of their course, to volunteer to help at this time.

Previously she had worked on the Intensive Care Unit at Fairfield Hospital, Bury, for almost 14 years and is now studying for her adult nursing degree.

The mum-of-three from Radcliffe said: "I came into nurse training later in life due to financial obligations, however I wish I had done it years ago.

“I feel my experience would be of great benefit to the NHS during the current pandemic crisis.

“I worked well within the team and returning would be a great advantage and opportunity to assist my development in nurse training.

“I know that this challenging time will be difficult for my colleagues both physically and mentally. Everyone has an element of fear with regards to contracting the virus.

“We all want to protect and ensure that our loved ones are safe.

I am in a privileged position being given the opportunity to support colleagues in a time of crisis and I feel that I owe them my time and support to pay back everything they have taught me over my extensive career within the NHS.

“I feel if I can make a difference to support people through this difficult time, I will feel that I have done my very best to contribute to our community.”

Nursing and Midwifery Council published a set of Emergency Standards to deal with the current crisis and to strengthen the NHS frontline. This includes students supporting the nursing workforce.

Dr Trish Houghton, head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Bolton, said: “We are extremely proud of all our wonderful nursing students and want to thank them for the immense support they have provided since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the UK.

“They have truly shown their compassion, commitment and patience throughout this last month.“They have also been extremely patient during these unprecedented and challenging times as the team have worked hard to act accordingly to alter the educational curriculum to meet the Emergency Standards at a pace that has altered each day.”

Dr Jane Howarth, Dean of Faculty (Health and Wellbeing), said: “The Head of School has led the academic team and students through a challenging and unprecedented time.

“The team has worked tirelessly to support University of Bolton student nurses in considering how they can contribute their knowledge and skills in caring for patients during this pandemic.

“I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment to the NHS.”

Many will be working in local trusts, including in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “I have nothing but admiration for our caring and brave nursing students who have opted-in to support the NHS, who are doing a fantastic job, in this crisis.I would like to thank our students on behalf of the university and the wider community for their amazing dedication and commitment.”