The AA has launched a free breakdown service for all NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

From today, any NHS staff member who breaks down on their way to or from work will be able to call for help, regardless of whether they are an AA member.

The service is available to anyone with an NHS ID and includes free recovery to and from work as well as help if they break down at home.

A dedicated hotline has been set up on 0800 0725064.

Simon Breakwell, chief executive officer of the AA, said: “We all recognise that everyone across the NHS is doing an absolutely vital job and we want to help them.

“The last thing they need to worry about right now is a breakdown, so we’re pleased to be able to help them with free recovery to and from work for as long as the current crisis continues.

“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.

“This applies to everyone in the NHS from cleaners, porters, nurses to surgeons, as they are all crucial.

“Like the entire nation, everyone at the AA is incredibly proud of the work and dedication of the NHS. We salute them and hope this assistance will help them.”

NHS employees are encouraged to register online at www.theAA.com/nhs to receive an SMS message with the dedicated phone number to speed up calling for breakdown assistance, but will be still be able to get help from the AA if they have not registered.

Earlier this week, the AA announced it was partnering with London Ambulance Service to keep its frontline crews on the road during the pandemic.

The partnership includes 24-hour breakdown and incident management services such as roadside assistance and vehicle recovery for LAS vehicles.

The AA will also work with the ambulance service’s mechanics to provide immediate technical support for the its fleet of more than 500 ambulances and 70 fast response cars.

Forty-one AA patrols have been sent to the 12 LAS workshops to work alongside its mechanics.

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