• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust hosted a remembrance service for all staff, patients and visitors
• Armed Forces and Veteran Packs launched to support patients when admitted to the hospital

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has held a remembrance service on Friday 10 November and invited all staff, patients and visitors.

The service was conducted by the hospital Chaplain followed by the raising of the Union flag, a two-minute silence and the Last Post.

In the run up to the service, the Enhanced Care and Support Team, along with some patients, made use of the arts and craft zone in the brand new lounge on B4, by painting poppies to add to the display opposite the Main Entrance to the hospital.

There was a great turn out for the service, arranged by the Armed Forces team and supported by veterans who work at the trust.

The team have been working tirelessly throughout the year to improve the support provided to veterans and armed services personnel, for both staff and patients alike. Back in April, the Trust received their Veteran Aware reaccreditation which makes them one of 147 NHS accredited providers across England, having met the standards laid down by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).

To coincide with Armistice Day, the Trust have launched new Armed Forces and Veteran Information Packs, that will be given to every identified veteran or serving armed forces member, when they are admitted to the hospital.

This provides vital information and support services for them to access, including links to the Armed Forces Charity the SSAFA, counselling support and the Ministry of Defence.

Dr Simon Irving, a Consultant and Clinical Lead for Acute Medicine at the Royal Bolton Hospital is a veteran, who plays a vital role in the Armed Forces team at the trust said:

The Armed Forces and Veteran packs are more than just printed information sheets. They recognise the importance of linking with relevant services and professionals who specialise in offering tailored support to veterans and armed forces personnel.

“We want our patients to know that we are dedicated to making sure they get all the support they need.

If you would like to know more about the support services offered to veterans and the armed forces, please email: ArmedForces@boltonft.nhs.uk.