NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to those individuals who currently serve, our Reservists and those veterans who are key members of our society by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The strong relationship between NHSGGC and the UK Armed Forces is greatly valued, with the health board already working to support employees who also are Reservists. The Board also welcomed assistance from the Armed Forces during the pandemic, particularly logistical support and advice to set up testing and vaccination programmes in the fight against COVID-19.
By signing the Covenant, NHSGGC pledged its commitment to supporting armed forces veterans, recognising the value they contribute and acknowledging that serving personnel and military families should be treated with fairness and respect.
There are more than 40 staff across NHSGGC who are Reservists within the Armed Forces, who can be called on at any time to support their colleagues in conflict zones or as part of humanitarian efforts across the world.
Anne MacPherson, NHSGGC’s Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, was joined by Major General Bill Wright CBE as they signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the board’s headquarters at Gartnavel Hospital Campus. Anne said: “We greatly value the contribution of the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces, not only in serving our country, but also because of their commitment to the NHS in Scotland. We have benefited from the leadership and technical skills gained in the Forces and how this adds value in our clinical and non-clinical teams.
“We are also proud to have more than 40 members of our team who are Reservists and we are working hard to ensure that they get all the right level of support to enable them to serve our country when called.
“More widely, and in keeping with our core values, we will always ensure that everyone who accesses our NHS services, not least those who have served, will have the very best in patient-centred care.”
A spokesman for the British Army HQ Scotland, said: “For the Armed Forces community, the Covenant is about removing disadvantage so that they get the same access to services as the civilian community. It’s greatly appreciated by veterans and serving personnel.”
This year, NHSGGC will aim to revalidate its Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, which was first awarded in 2014, where employers demonstrate support for reservists by providing a commitment to their support for the wider Armed Forces. Following revalidation, the Board will focus on achieving the Gold Award.
More information is available for NHSGGC staff who are reservists here: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/hr-connect/policies-and-staff-governance/staff-governance/regular-reservist-information/#
More information on the Armed Services Covenant can be found here: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
