A shiny new plaque proudly adorns HRI's walls - as we've been reaccredited as Veteran Aware by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA*).

Consultant Surgeon and Training Officer at 59 (Huddersfield) Squadron, RAFAC, Will Ainslie left, said "This re-accreditation underlines our ongoing commitment as a Trust to support our patients, colleagues and their families who are currently serving, or have served in the Armed Forces with access to care and opportunities for employment.

"Service personnel have a wealth of experience in teamwork and transferable skills which means that there are prospects for a fulfilling career in the NHS on discharge or concurrently as a Reserve, which we see as a win-win scenario for all concerned."

VCHA Regional Lead, Mandy Stokes said: "I am delighted that CHFT has been awarded their Veteran Aware status. They have created a community of staff, patients and provider to ensure that the Armed Forces community receive the highest levels of care. I encourage all patients who are members of the Armed Forces community, to identify themselves when accessing services so that the Trust can ensure that no disadvantage occurs.”

*VCHA is a group of NHS healthcare providers in England committed to providing the best standards of care for the armed forces community, based on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. You can read more on the NHS England website https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/ipc-for-veterans/veteran-aware-nhs-trusts/ 

Will is pictured with Engagement Team colleague Andre Mitchell who has supported the re-accreditation work. Top effort!

Our website and intranet displays the logo and our digital letterhead has been updated too - it can be found on the Communications pages of the staff intranet here.