NORTH Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Warrington Hospital, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting serving and former members of the Armed Forces, reservists and military families across Warrington, Halton and the wider region.
A special ceremony at Warrington Hospital has seen the trust formally re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising its ongoing commitment to ensuring members of the military community are treated fairly and receive the support they need.
Representatives from the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, 75 Engineer Regiment and the Royal British Legion attended the signing ceremony.
The covenant recognises the contribution made by serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families, and aims to ensure they are not disadvantaged when accessing healthcare or working within the NHS.
It also highlights the importance of understanding the particular needs and experiences of people whose lives have been shaped by military service.
Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey, said: “Re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant as North Cheshire and Mersey reflects our commitment to supporting members of the armed forces, veterans, reservists and their families.
“This is an opportunity to carry our established pledge forward and build on our work to ensure staff, patients and families are treated fairly.
“As a trust, understanding the experiences of people whose lives have been shaped by military service helps us provide care and support that reflects their circumstances.”
He added that the trust also valued the skills and experience reservists brought to the NHS and was committed to helping them balance their healthcare roles with military training and deployment.
Gareth Davies, the trust’s supply chain manager and chair of its Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network, has personal experience of military life, having served 22 years in the regular Army followed by a further 12 years as a reservist.
He said: “I know how much it means to have the understanding and support of your colleagues.
“Our staff network brings together people with shared experiences, giving them somewhere to turn for advice, support or simply a conversation with someone who understands military life.
“Reaffirming the covenant is a welcome commitment, and we want everyone in our Armed Forces community to feel comfortable asking for the help they need.”
North Cheshire and Mersey originally signed the covenant as two separate organisations, with Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals signing in 2020 and Bridgewater Community Healthcare in 2022.
The trust also holds the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award and is recognised as a Veteran Aware organisation.
Both schemes acknowledge its work supporting members of the military community, whether as patients, employees or family members.
The trust’s Armed Forces and Veterans Community Staff Network also provides a dedicated source of support and connection for colleagues with military backgrounds.
The covenant signing coincided with the trust’s annual Remembrance Day Service at Warrington Hospital, where staff and patients gathered to honour those who have served and remember those who have lost their lives.
For more information about healthcare support available to members of the Armed Forces community and their families, visit the North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust website.
