North Cheshire and Mersey pledges support to Armed Forces community

A special ceremony has taken place to recognise North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust’s ongoing support for the armed forces community.

The trust has pledged to ensure current and former veterans, reservists and military families across Warrington, Halton and the wider region continue to be treated fairly and receive the support they need when accessing healthcare services or working within the NHS.

Representatives from North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, 75 Engineer Regiment and Royal British Legion were invited to a formal signing of the covenant, held at Warrington Hospital.

The ceremony recognised the contributions of the Armed Forces community and reaffirmed the trusts commitment to understanding patients’ needs when accessing healthcare and helping colleagues balance their NHS roles with military responsibilities.

Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey, said: “Re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant as North Cheshire and Mersey reflects our commitment to supporting members of the armed forces, veterans, reservists and their families. This is an opportunity to carry our established pledge forward and build on our work to ensure staff, patients and families are treated fairly.

“As a trust, understanding the experiences of people whose lives have been shaped by military service helps us provide care and support that reflects their circumstances. We also value the skills and experience our reservists bring to the NHS and are committed to helping them balance their work with military training and deployment.”

Gareth Davies, supply chain manager and chair of the trust’s Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network, said: “Having served for 22 years in the regular Army and a further 12 years as a reservist, I know how much it means to have the understanding and support of your colleagues.

“Our staff network brings together people with shared experiences, giving them somewhere to turn for advice, support or simply a conversation with someone who understands military life. Reaffirming the covenant is a welcome commitment, and we want everyone in our Armed Forces community to feel comfortable asking for the help they need.”

North Cheshire and Mersey originally signed the promise as two separate organisations, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals in 2020 and Bridgewater Community Healthcare in 2022. 

The trust is also proud to hold the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme silver award and be recognised as a Veteran Aware organisation. The schemes acknowledge the trusts’ continued support for patients and staff within the military community. Alongside employer recognition, the trust’s Armed Forces and Veterans Community Staff Network also provides support, connection and a voice for the community. 

The covenant signing came as the trust held its annual Remembrance Day Service at Warrington Hospital, where staff and patients were invited to honour those who have served and remember those who have lost their lives.

For more information about support for Armed Forces patients and their families, visit the our webpage.