14 May 2009

Military health heroes in the limelight

The unsung heroes caring for Britain’s armed forces and veterans are being asked to step into the limelight.

The second annual Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards were launched today across the UK, opening the nomination process for entries.

Celebrating the partnership between Britain’s military and health care workers, the Awards are open to civilian health staff and military medics working within the Defence Medical Services, the NHS and the private or voluntary sector. They honour those who care for serving members of the UK armed forces at home and abroad, veterans and dependants.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: “I welcome these awards which recognise the immense contribution that individuals and teams across the health and social care services make to the health and well-being of the military, their dependants and veterans.

“During a visit to Afghanistan last year I saw at first hand how health care staff from Northern Ireland were making a real difference. It was a privilege to meet with all those reservists and soldiers who are working in very difficult conditions to care for and treat those who have been injured. I was deeply impressed by their bravery and the compassion and care they showed for all their patients.

“These awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and value the clinical excellence provided by local staff involved in the healthcare of the UK Armed Forces. They seek to acknowledge individuals and teams for the exceptional work in promoting and maintaining the health of military personnel and raise awareness of veterans’ issues – to whom we owe so much!”

UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Hutton said: “These awards celebrate the achievements of the unsung heroes in the military and the NHS delivering outstanding medical care to our Armed Forces.

“By working hand in hand with the NHS we are able to deliver the medical care that our people need whether they are deployed on operations or at home.

“I am proud to say that wherever our personnel are they are supported by some of the most skilled and dedicated physical and mental healthcare professionals in the world.”

Also supporting the awards, Colonel Iain Moles, Commanding Officer of the TA 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital and GP in County Down, said: “Partnership between the healthcare services and the armed forces continues to flourish, with an increased understanding of each other and mutual support of the services, both at home here in Northern Ireland and overseas. The Healthcare Commission in its recent reports singled out military ‘trauma care’ as an example from which the NHS could learn and the opposite is certainly true - where we transfer skills learned within the NHS to our military medical practice.

“The MERT (Medical Emergency Response) helicopter teams flying out to collect casualties at the point of wounding won the ‘Pride of Britain Award’ this year. Last year 204 (NI) Field Hospital (V) provided the hospital support in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, largely staffed by individuals, doctor, nurses and allied specialties all from Northern Ireland.”

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