Vale of Clwyd MP “felt responsibility” to return as doctor to help NHS during coronavirus crisis

A GP who swapped his surgery for MP surgeries said he felt “a responsibility” to pick up his stethoscope again and help out the NHS.

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies announced yesterday he would go back and don his white coat to aid Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board during the current Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

He will rejoin the NHS during the Easter parliamentary recess and revealed he is prepared to do whatever it takes to help out.

Speaking shortly before Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country into an effective lockdown, Dr Davies explained how a sense of duty prompted him to make the decision.

He said: “I felt a responsibility – it’s the right thing to do. Obviously I have only been back in Parliament for a few months so it’s not a big jump really but it’s what’s right.

“Obviously I trained to be a GP. I wouldn’t be let loose on the ventilators but GPs do work in hospital environments sometimes, like in the emergency department.

“Although I’m not a ventilation expert I feel a duty to be involved in some way. It all depends, it’s all about helping out really.

“There are hundreds of thousands have worked in the health service before who would be really appreciated back at work in the coming weeks and months. Please volunteer.”

St Asaph-born Dr Davies had been a GP for 16 years, specialising in dementia, when he regained his seat from Chris Ruane last December. It was the second time he’d wrested the seat from the veteran politician.

However nothing could have prepared him for what is happening now, so soon into his second term.

He admitted he has fears about the current Covid-19 crisis, just like the public.

He said: “I am worried when we look at what’s going on in Italy. Some people here are behaving like it’s time for a holiday.

“If the number of cases rise the hospitals will become overrun. Some people just don’t understand the severity of the situation and it’s just about trying to hammer that home.”

Speaking shortly before last night’s lockdown he said he felt Boris Johnson didn’t want to be “authoritarian” but “he’s having to be in some respects”.

He believes the message we all need to send out now is one of unity. He added: “I intend to work when the recess arrives. I will work in North Wales. I’m open to wherever needs me most.

“We all need to look after each other now don’t we?”

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter