• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust show support for armed forces community
• Veteran Aware one year review approved by the VCHA
• Staff at the Trust are fully supported when joining the reserves

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is increasing the vital support that’s offered to staff, patients and their families who are members of the armed forces community.

The Trust are delighted to share that their one year Veteran Aware review has been approved by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).

Fiona Noden, Chief Exec at the Trust said:

We are absolutely thrilled to hear that our Veteran Aware One Year Review has been approved! This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in supporting the Armed Forces community.

“We are very grateful for the continued support and guidance we receive from the VCHA. Their encouragement means a lot to us and motivates us to keep striving for excellence in our efforts.

This further strengthens the work of the Trust’s Armed Forces team, who have been busy building relationships with local Armed Forces organisations, 206 Multi-Role Medical Regiment (206) and Pheniks Division, in preparation for their Employee Recognition Scheme (ERS) re-accreditation application in 2025.

In December, the Trust held its first Armed Forces Big Brew and invited 206, along with staff members from the  in Armed Forces family, to come together to enjoy a brew and some time out of their day-to-day routine.

George Haden from 206 Multi-Role Medical Regiment attended the Big Brew and said:

206 Multi-Role Medical Regiment (Reserves) is building a strong relationship with the Trust and their Armed Forces team.

“We are always delighted to be invited to events at the hospital and are excited to work together more in the New Year.

“Their support to the wider Armed Forces community underpins the values of the Armed Forces Covenant and we treasure the close relationship we have.

Staff at the Trust who choose to join the reserves are fully supported. Hannah Durrant, who works at the Trust as a Consultant and is also a reservist at 206 said:

I joined the reserves as a medical student and was keen to continue my commitment to them when I joined RBH as a Consultant in 2013.

“The Trust have been so supportive in me attending the various training commitments and annual camps whilst recognising the challenges and the additional skills this can bring to my day job.

If you have any questions or would like any support for yourself or a relative, please send an email to armedforces@boltonft.nhs.uk.