• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust awarded Silver Accreditation for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
• Flag raising ceremony planned on Wednesday 25 June in readiness for Armed Forces Awareness Day  
• Local Army reserves hosting awareness sessions at the Royal Bolton site on Wednesday 25 June 

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded a Silver accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which is designed to encourage employers to support defence and inspire other organisations to do the same. 

The Trust has worked incredibly hard over the last couple of years, to improve their support for veterans and those who are part of the armed forces family.  

The silver award recognises the Trust is forces-friendly and open to employing reservists and veterans including the wider armed forces community (cadet instructors and military spouses/partners). Also that we actively ensure our workforce is aware of our positive policies towards defence people issues and that we support mobilisations and training of reservist colleagues.   

Staff at the Trust are now able to identify inpatient veterans and members of the armed forces community and log this information in the electronice patient records, which appears on discharge summaries, improving communication with local GPs and feeding through to therapy assessment documents, opening avenues with additional support on discharge. 

In November 2023, the Trust introduced an Armed Forces and Veterans Information Pack, which includes vital information and support services and links to various  Armed Forces charities, counselling support and the Ministry of Defence. 

Lynne Doherty, Colleague Experience Lead, and a key member of the Trust Armed Forces Team said:  

We are delighted with the silver accreditation for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  

“Raising awareness of our Armed Forces community is essential to ensuring that those in need can access the support they deserve. Receiving the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award reinforces our commitment to making a meaningful difference for both our staff and patients. 

“From Monday 23 June, we are hosting our annual Armed Forces Awareness Week, which gives us the opportunity to share all of the support available and allows us to highlight the importance of recognising our armed forces family.

The Trust Armed Forces team have been working alongside 206 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, and to tie in with their annual Armed Forces Awareness Week, the local Army reserves will be attending the hospital site on Wednesday 25 June.  

They will be based in the lecture theatre at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) building and are looking forward to welcoming staff, patients and visitors to come along and learn more about the work they do.  

Tam McEwan, ReMSO (Regimental Mentoring Support Officer) at 206 MMR said:  

Being an Army Reservist offers a range of opportunities, including financial incentives, skill development, travel, and the chance to serve your country. Reservists are paid for training and duty, receive a tax-free annual bonus (subject to completing training days), and can earn valuable qualifications and experience. They also gain access to adventure training, sports, and potentially overseas travel opportunities, there are opportunities from the age of 18-50 depending on role. 

“206 MMR have many opportunities available for those interested in joining their regiment, many clinical roles including doctors, nurses and HCAs. Other non-clinical roles (no qualifications required) include drivers and Combat Medical Technician (CMT).  

“Most people may not know that the non-clinical roles you don’t need any qualifications as full training is provided by the army. People from all walks of life can become an Army Reserve, you don’t need to be clinically trained to join the medical regiment.

If you’re interested in the work of your local Army Reserve field hospital, or would like to find out more about becoming a reserve yourself, please come along to the lecture theatre in the Institue of Medical Sciences (IMS) building on Minerva Road.  

Presentations will be taking place at the below times. 

• 11am – 11.30am  
• 12pm – 12.30pm 
• 1pm – 1.30pm 
• 2.30pm – 3pm 

In readiness for the upcoming National Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June, there will be a flag raising ceremony with our Armed Forces team and the reserves on Wednesday 25 June at 10.30am at our flag pole, outside the Main Entrance. A short service will be followed by the raising of our flag. 

We would love for any veterans or reserves to wear their uniform, caps or berets for the ceremony, so please feel free to bring them along. 

The Armed Forces team will also be hosting an information stand at the onsite restaurant on Friday 27 June from 11am until 2pm. Come along and join us to find out how you can support our armed forces colleagues, patients, friends and family.