NHS renew pledge to Armed Forces
Trust chief executive Pippa Nightingale renewed the trust’s commitment to its Armed Forces by re-signing a covenant at Northwick Park Hospital.
She was joined by Colonel Clint Read, Commanding Officer at Northwick Headquarters, along with representatives from local military and cadet units, as well as the trust’s own veterans and reservists.
Pippa said: “We all appreciate the commitment and sacrifice made by our Armed Forces in protecting our interests and keeping us safe.”
The renewal of the Armed Forces Covenant is a significant milestone towards the trust being accredited as ‘Veteran Aware.’
Veteran Aware trusts are at the forefront of improving healthcare for people who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces along with their families.
It is part of a wider programme called the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance which helps staff identify veterans using NHS services and signpost them to relevant agencies and charities. It also encourages NHS employees to consider becoming reservists in the Armed Forces.
Graham Armour, a Royal Marines veteran who now works for the hospital trust, said there are clear similarities between the military and NHS.
"I have found that a desire to serve the public is deeply ingrained in both communities who want to protect the weak and the vulnerable. It is the same mindset and they’re prepared to go above and beyond to deliver that service.”