Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 20th August 2019 – 5.20pm.
The work West Midlands Ambulance Service undertakes supporting former members of the military and serving reservists has been recognised by making the shortlist of a prestigious award.
The submission, ‘Two Uniforms, One Job’ has made it through to the final of the 2019 Health Service Journal Awards in the Reservist Support Initiative category.
The panel recognised the ambition, visionary spirit and demonstrably positive impact that the ‘Two Uniforms, One Job’ initiative has had on patients and staff experiences within the health sector.
Over 3% of our workforce have previously served with the military, be that Navy, airforce or army and the Trust actively encourages staff to continue their military career as well as their work with the ambulance service.
HR Manager, Maria Watson, said: “Candidates from the military and reserve forces come with structure and purpose and a definite sense of belonging. Many of their skills are extremely transferrable which means many find it an easy transition.
“We believe that WMAS offers a long-term career option as they come back into civilian life. Equally, the skills they gain as a Reservists has great benefit for the patients they treat and for their work with the Trust in general.
“We firmly believe that supporting our Reservists has a positive effect on their jobs in the ambulance service and equally the skills and experience gained within the NHS benefits their military careers.
Recently former RAF Intelligence Officer, Chris Booker spoke about natural progression from military to the ambulance service: “One of the things I missed after coming out of the military was the camaraderie, but the ambulance service has given me that and I’d recommend any of my former colleagues to follow suit.
Speaking about the nomination, WMAS Director of Workforce and Military Champion at the Trust, Kim Nurse, added: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted as this recognises the collaborative efforts and dedication of our staff members over the last 12 months implementing ‘Two Uniforms One Job’.
Chris added: “The skills you learn in the military are an excellent fit with the ambulance service:
HSJ editor Alistair Mclellan, said “We would like to congratulate WMAS on being nominated in the category of Reservist Support Initiative Award recognising their outstanding contribution ahead of this year’s 2019 HSJ awards. Each of the finalists in this category have been chosen based on their outstanding commitment to excellence in healthcare.”
The full list of nominees for the 2019 HSJ awards can be found at https://awards.hsj.co.uk/2019-shortlist – winners will be presented at the HSJ awards ceremony, at the Battersea Evolution Centre, London on Wednesday 6th November.