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Derbyshire Healthcare signs Armed Forces Covenant

The signing took place at the Trust’s Headquarters at Kingsway Hospital in Derby. Through signing these pledges the Trust commits to support all of those in the Armed Forces Community who have contact with the Trust whether as patients, staff, carers or the general public.

Ifti Majid, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Jenkins, Commanding Officer of 162 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, put their signatures to the declaration at the special ceremony during the Trust’s public meeting of its Board of Directors.

Helen Raisbeck, Ifti Majid, Caroline Maley, LtCol Duncan Jenkins, and Catherine Parker.

They were also joined by Trust staff who currently provide services to the Armed Forces Community.

Ifti Majid expressed his pleasure at signing the Covenant today, and explained why it was important for the Trust to confirm its commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

He said: “There are clear links between the Armed Forces and the need for good quality mental health care.  We also recognise that, due to the depth of trauma experienced by many members of the Armed Forces, there is a need for rapid intervention.

“The Trust’s vision is focused on ‘making a positive difference to people’s lives by improving health and wellbeing’. The signing of this Covenant today reflects the Board’s commitment to take direct action to support the health and wellbeing of those who are serving or have served in our Armed Forces and their families.

“There are also a number of benefits that service leavers could bring to our Trust by way of applying a wide range of skills and experience.  Research also indicates that NHS organisations who employ ex-service personnel reflect positively on how military skills fit in with their organisation’s needs.”

The Ministry of Defence’s Assistant Regional Employer Engagement Director in the East Midlands, Catherine Suckling, attended the signing.

Ifti Majid and LtCol Duncan Jenkins after the signing.

She explained: “The Trust understands that those who serve or have previously served in the military have a variety of skills and attributes, developed through military training, that are of value to their organisation. Skills such as leading a team, problem solving and having the ability to drive a variety of vehicles are all recognised as positive qualities.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. I look forward to developing our relationship with Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust over forthcoming months.”

Over 2000 public and private sector organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant across the UK and many of them are in the East Midlands.

Signing The Armed Forces Covenant in 2018 is more important than ever because this year marks 100 years since the Armistice ending the First World War and is also the centenary anniversary of the RAF.

To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk