News from our partners: RJAH supporting military patients with outreach sessions
News from our partners Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital are working in partnership with Shropshire Council to provide outreach support sessions for military personnel, veterans and their families.
Sarah Kerr, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces outreach support co-ordinator, will be in the Main Entrance at the Oswestry-based hospital every Thursday offering signposting, support and advice.
Sarah will also be supported by a range of organisations and charities to provide information on housing, healthcare, finance and benefits, education, well-being and employment.
[left – right]: Sarah Kerr, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces outreach support co-ordinator, with her colleagues Nicky Downing from Veterans UK, Nia Morris from Combat Stress and Kenny Innes from the Royal British Legion.
“We’re thrilled to be working with RJAH to support their military and veteran patients and their families.
“I’d encourage any RJAH patient with a military link to come and visit us. There are so many opportunities out there for our current and ex-service people to take advantage of and improve their quality of life.
“I work with a range of organisations and charities such as Veterans UK, Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded and SSAFA, to give everyone the best advice and guidance possible.”
These sessions are just another way RJAH supports the Armed Forces community.
Back in 2017, the Trust signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge of support to the people who are serving in, or who have served in the Armed Forces. It also sets out how the Trust will demonstrate its commitment, including promoting its armed-forces-friendly status and seeking to support the employment of veterans, young and old.
RJAH also received the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence in summer 2018 which is given to organisations who have demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.
Later on in 2018, RJAH was accredited as Veteran Aware Trust which means patients who have served in the UK Armed Forces will be cared for by frontline staff who have received training and education on their specific needs.
RJAH is also the only NHS organisation in Shropshire which supports the Step into Health scheme which aims to help service leavers, veterans and their families’ gain experience and develop further skills.
Mark Brandreth, Chief Executive, said:
“I’m delighted we’re working in partnership with Shropshire Council to provide support sessions for our military and veteran patients.
“RJAH is an organisation that really values its Armed Forces staff and patients. We run a thriving Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service and also launched a £1.5 million fundraising appeal for the UK’s first Veterans’ Centre.
“These outreach support sessions are about going beyond offering healthcare and instead offering a full holistic service to our veterans. I am pleased that we are able to work with Shropshire Council to do just that.”
