A grant from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity to the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) will help fund the core services they provide to serving personnel, Veterans and families who are receiving medical treatment throughout the UK, Cyprus and Germany…
DMWS has been ‘caring for those who serve’ for 75 years, providing practical and emotional support to members of the Armed Forces Community when they are in hospital.
DMWS Welfare Officers have deployed to every major conflict since WW2, working alongside medical staff, supporting soldiers and their families when faced with uncertainty and stress of medical treatment.
In 1982 Welfare Officers deployed on ‘Operation Corporate’ alongside Naval comrades, directly on-board SS Uganda, the Military Hospital Ship at the Falkland Islands.
The closure of British Military hospitals in recent years means that DMWS Welfare Officers support Service Personnel in NHS hospitals, where they are now treated.
A recent case involved a 34 year old Naval Officer with a life changing condition. He was initially admitted to a hospital care unit, and later transferred to Headley Court. DMWS has been supporting the patient and immediate family for 8 weeks to help them come to terms with the diagnosis.
Paul Gaffney, CEO of DMWS said: “We are delighted that The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital have awarded this grant in recognition of our vital work in supporting Royal Navy and Royal Marines serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“This will enable DMWS Welfare Officers to continue to help people within the medical pathway at times when our specialist welfare support is most needed. DMWS looks forward to working with the RNRMC on future initiatives for the benefit of the armed forces community.”
Speaking about the support of DMWS, Director of Relationships and Funding at the RNRMC, Mandy Lindley said: “We are delighted to award DMWS with a grant of £50,000. By providing high-quality medical welfare support, they help naval servicemen and women in the most critical times of need.
“Working alongside NHS Trusts and community health facilities, DMWS offer confidential advice, independent assessment, support through bereavement and illness, and care for families. As the Royal Navy’s charity, we are very pleased to be able to contribute to the crucial services that they provide to our Naval Service community.”
