Hospitals in Greater Manchester call for military aid over Omicron surge

Soldiers may provide basic care needs and ancillary support amid rise in staff absences due to Covid

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Hospitals in Greater Manchester have called for urgent military support as the region's NHS creaks under pressure from the Omicron variant.

Soldiers could be asked to carry out basic care needs, such as hydration and nutrition, for patients in so-called super-surge beds, as well as ancillary support including porter work, admin tasks and cleaning.