The NHS Confederation has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging their support to those who serve or have served and their families…
In doing so they have joined the growing list of over 1500 forces friendly organisations to have signed the covenant.
The NHS Confederation brings together and speaks on behalf of all organisations that plan, commission and provide NHS services. Its network of members (drawn from every part of the health and care system) connects the NHS Confederation with over 560 organisations.
Signing on behalf of the NHS Confederation was Deputy Chief Executive Danny Mortimer: “The work we do to support the health of our veterans, reservists and their families, is the very least we can do in return for their selfless bravery and sacrifice. We are extremely proud to confirm this commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant today.”
As we celebrate 70 years since the launch of the NHS, the signing of the covenant is a timely reminder of the extraordinary ways the NHS responds to the changing needs of the nation.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant the NHS Confederation are supporting their employees as reservists and veterans. In doing so they are benefiting from the wide range of unique skills and experiences those employees bring to the workforce such as technical qualifications, leadership, strategy and problem-solving.
The Covenant was co-signed by Lieutenant General Martin Bricknell, UK Surgeon General. Lt Gen Bricknell stated: “I am delighted to be co-signing the Armed Forces Covenant with the NHS Confederation in recognition of the substantial support provided by many NHS Trusts at a local level for Armed Forces personnel, their families and Veterans.
“This is evident through their support to ensure no Service person or their family are disadvantaged through their service, active support to members of their workforce who are in the Reserves, and support to Service personnel who seek employment in the NHS after Regular service.”
