In support of the Armed Forces Community, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and been awarded the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) rewards and recognises UK employers for their support and commitment towards Defence. The Bronze Award recognises the plans that the ROH has put in place to ensure we provide the best standards of care and support to the armed forces community.
As part of achieving the Bronze Award, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital signed the Armed forces Covenant; a promise to the nation to those who serve or who have served and their families, that they will not experience any disadvantage as a result of their service, and they will be treated fairly.
Natalie Green, is a veteran and also registrar at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. She said: “As a previous General Duties Medical Officer working in the Royal Navy, I know how vital the medical support back home is to us, particularly when deployed at sea.
“Having access to senior specialist advice and the ability to get patients seen and sorted quickly, so they can be returned back to us on operations is key. Having the Trust recognise this and support not just serving personnel, but veterans as well, means that they will be able to offer a more bespoke service which understands our needs, which are often different due to current or previous military experiences.
“Likewise, for those staff members who are serving with the reserved armed forces it will allow better balance and liaison between their medical day jobs and any operational commitments that arise.”
Image caption: Jo Williams, Chief Executive at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Lt. Col. Charles Whitting signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant is the first step in achieving Bronze accreditation, and is a national responsibility involving government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public.
Signing the covenant means we will make a promise to provide direct and indirect support to staff with a recognised Armed Forces status, including for education and family wellbeing, access to healthcare, and discounted services.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Whitting signed the covenant with Jo Williams, Chief Executive at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.
Lt Col Charles Whitting said: “It was a real privilege to co-sign the Armed Forces Covenant with the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital earlier this year and so it was fantastic to hear that the great team have just been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Bronze Award.
“The relationship between the NHS and the Armed Forces is a special one, which brings people with lifesaving skills together, to protect and support people around the world. By committing to the Armed Forces Covenant the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital are nurturing this special relationship in many ways, in particular by highlighting the vital role that NHS staff who are part of Service families make on a daily basis.”
Signing the covenant and gaining the bronze accreditation acknowledges our commitment and means that we pledge to:
- Ensure that the armed forces community does not experience disadvantage as a result of their service compared to other citizens.
- Give special consideration where appropriate to those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved.
- Family members should retain their places on NHS waiting lists if relocated in the UK due to the service person being posted.
- Veterans should receive priority treatment for a service- related health condition or injury, subject to clinical need.
- Care for the patient in a way which reflects the nation’s moral obligation and by healthcare professionals with an understanding of the Armed Forces culture.
