Committed to Veterans
We have a history of employing Veterans and Reservists across the trust and also offer placements for Military nurses.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the top ranked and top performing hospital trusts in the UK, employing nearly 7,000 staff over two main hospital sites and community based sites.
We pride ourselves on providing outstanding care to a community of more than 1.5 million people.
In September 2019, the trust formalised its commitment to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, going on to be awarded Veteran Aware status and becoming part of the Veterans Healthcare Alliance (VHCA), and the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award in 2022.
What you can expect from us
As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the legal requirement as part of the Armed Forces Bill 2021, our Trust will ensure that:
- The Armed Forces community enjoy the same standard of, and access to healthcare as that received by any other UK citizen in the area they live, retaining their place on any NHS waiting list if moved around the UK due to the Service person being posted.
- Those injured in Service will be cared for in a way that reflects the nation’s moral obligation to them, by healthcare professionals who have an understanding of the Armed Forces culture.
- We also offer 10 days paid leave to our Reservists and five days paid leave to Cadet leaders for their annual camps.
- We have an active Armed Forces champion community within the trust, with close links to the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
Trevor Post, Head of Security and Veteran Awareness
“After 24 years in the Army and now 18 years working for our great hospital, I can say that the NHS is a fantastic employer for all ex-Service personnel and their families, clinical or non-clinical.”
Claire Davidson, Deputy Director of Midwifery and Nursing (Maternity, Neonates and Gynaecology)
“As a former Reservist and Military spouse, I understand first-hand the unique challenges both Serving personnel and their families face. At Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, we strive to support the wider Armed Forces community through listening to and understanding the challenges – and supporting our patients and staff in every aspect of their journey.”
A message from Hospital Medical Director, Gary Davies
“I am extraordinarily proud to be medical director at a trust that has silver accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme as well as Veteran Aware status. As a Veteran myself, I know how hard it can be for members of the Armed Forces community to adjust to civvy street and access the support they need. We are here to help, listen to, and care for our Veterans, Reservists, Serving personnel, spouses and family members, who all form part of the Armed Forces community.”
Visit: www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/work-with-us
Email: chelwest.recruitmentteam@nhs.net
If you have any further queries, or would like any information, please contact Head of Security and Veteran Awareness, Trevor Post, via: trevor.post@nhs.net
