The Swansea West MP, Geraint Davies, has joined calls for an NHS compensation scheme like that used by the army.

In the cross party letter authored by Layla Moran MP, and signed by 50 MPs, it urged the government to create a Covid-19 Compensation Scheme for healthcare workers.

The proposed scheme would mirror the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and would include:

• an up front lump sum
• a guaranteed income for their family
• child payments for eligibile children under 18

The AFCS compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused during service to the country.

Currently the NHS pension scheme grants cover to those who die in service but how much is awared varies greatly.

Mr Davies said: “Soldiers who put their lives on the line are rightly rewarded for their heroism and their families given compensation if they make the ultimate sacrifice.

“With NHS staff facing increased risk to life during the Covid-19 crisis I believe they should be secure in the knowlede that their family will be looked after if the worst happens.

“While no amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, setting up a scheme would hopefully provide some security and comfort to those on the frontline.”