Princess Alexandra Hospital wins bronze award from Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for supporting Armed Forces community

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has won recognition for supporting the Armed Forces community.

The bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is given to organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and pledged to support those currently serving as well as reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses or partners.

PAHT, which runs Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping as well as PAH in Harlow, signed in October 2022.

Kelly French, whose brother is a veteran, is PAHT’s head of operations across urgent and emergency care and has been at the forefront of the trust’s progress.

He said: “I know from personal experience how the needs of veterans may differ from other patients in our care, and through our growing network of veterans’ champions, and training for staff, we are already serving them better.

“We are delighted to achieve the bronze award and are fully committed to maintaining this standard and improving our services and support even further.”

Stephanie Lawton, PAHT’s chief operating officer, said: “To receive this bronze award within a year of signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a great achievement and recognises our commitment to supporting defence personnel, those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families.

“Thank you to all of our people who have undertaken to be veteran champions and to those who support our Armed Forces communities.”