We know that many CHFT colleagues have, at some point, served their country, or may be connected through others they know to the Armed Forces.

To support them we are creating an Armed Forces staff network for colleagues here at CHFT.

The first informal meeting is the 11th February 13:00-14:00 in Acre Mills Outpatients, Top Floor, Room 3 and all colleagues are welcome to attend.

There will be refreshments provided also.

To get involved you do not have to have served yourself, you simply just have to have a connection to the Armed forces in one way or another.

Deputy Director of Operations in Surgery, Jason Bushby, (pictured left with consultant, Will Ainslie) is ex-Army. He said. “After serving, it is increasingly apparent that some ex-servicemen and women need support and we want CHFT colleagues to be reassured it is here for them. We have a professional counselling service which is there for everyone.” Will is also heavily involved with the Cadets.

We are proud to be fully signed-up to Armed Forces Covenant and the NHS employers Step into Health NHS initiative. We have also gained accreditation into the Armed Forces Veterans' Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).

If you want get involved or have any questions please do not hesitate to  contact forcescovenant@cht.nhs.uk Jason.Bushby@cht.nhs.uk or Alexandra.jowett@cht.nhs.uk for more information.

The network forms part of our Recruitment recipe card in The Cupboard - we're encouraging ex-servicemen and women to come and work with us and have the support to do so.