The AA has rescued nearly 2,000 NHS workers since it launched a free breakdown service to help them during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the start of April, the company announced a free service for any NHS staff member who breaks down on their way to or from work while the situation continues, whether they are AA members or not.

The offer is available to anyone with an NHS ID and includes free recovery as well as help if they break down at home. A dedicated NHS hotline is available on 0800 0725064.

NHS workers can register on www.theAA.com/nhs, but will still be able to get help from the AA if they have not registered.

Within the first three weeks of the offer, around 17,000 NHS workers registered for the service online. Many of the issues so far have been caused by battery or tyre problems.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “As the coronavirus crisis unfolded we appreciated early on what a brilliant service the NHS is providing under intense pressure.

“We realised that the rundown of public transport, shift work, long hours and social distancing, all meant that more NHS staff would be dependent on their cars; the last thing they need to worry about at this time is a breakdown.

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

“Everyone at the AA is keen to thank the NHS, with patrols across the country gathering to join the Clap for Carers on Thursday evenings, and we’re pleased to be able to show them our support with free breakdown help during this crisis.

“They all deserve our love, gratitude and indeed a medal."

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