Support and awareness of the armed forces community has earned NHS Kent and Medway a gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The scheme recognises organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces and align its values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Mike Gilbert, NHS Kent and Medway Executive Director of Corporate Governance, and lead for the Armed Forces Network in Kent and Medway, said: “As a veteran, I know how incredibly important the work of our armed forces continues to be. It is an honour to be recognised with the gold award, which demonstrates our commitment to the skills, service and needs of our armed forces community.
“We have supportive policies and paid leave in place for veterans, reservists, cadet forces adult volunteers and family members of serving armed forces who work in the organisation. We make sure the services we commission understand the needs of this community.”
Herne Bay GP Dr Jeremy Carter, Clinical Lead, Kent and Sussex Armed Forces Network said: “It is fantastic news for NHS Kent and Medway to be given this recognition. It is important our armed forces community is supported in accessing NHS services, including veteran-friendly GP practices.”
In addition to signing the covenant, NHS Kent and Medway has worked to support the Armed Forces Network for Sussex and Kent and Medway to enable partnership working across the system with military charities and the armed forces community.
Read more about how the NHS supports the armed forces community and the Armed Forces Covenant and what it means.
