Ten military personnel are working within Northwick Park Hospital NHS trust due to coronavirus-related staff shortages.

London North West University Healthcare has confirmed it is now one of reportedly several NHS trusts to turn to the armed forces as omicron’s legacy continues.

This announcement comes as Brent reported a cumulative total of 72,412 positive cases reported up to Sunday, January 9.

Military medics assist NHS staff with patient care and general duty personnel, including tasks such as maintaining stocks, checking in patients on arrival and conducting basic checks.

Health secretary Sajid Javid said: “Once again, they [armed forces] are stepping up to assist NHS workers who are working round the clock, helping the health service through this difficult winter period where the need is greatest.”

Those working alongside NHS staff are expected to be on task until the end of March.

Cllr Ketan Sheth, chair of Brent Council’s health scrutiny committee: "It is clear that the omicron variant has taken a huge toll on NHS staff as well as residents. I am grateful for the support of armed forces personnel in keeping our hospital running.

"Obviously we would not want this to become the norm but a key risk in any pandemic is a shortage of healthcare staff due to them catching the virus.

"It is clear that Covid is still a huge challenge and we should continue to follow safety measures like wearing a face covering, social distancing and above all, getting vaccinated."