Home Local News WWL win Silver recognition for support to Defence and Armed Forces

WWL win Silver recognition for support to Defence and Armed Forces

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flag raising
D Day Flag Raising in June 2019 on the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary site

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has been recognised for its support of the Armed Forces community by being awarded the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.

Employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support the Armed Forces, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant, are considered for the awards.

WWL is among 36 organisations from across the North West of England who have been awarded Silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

In a statement released by Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, he stated: “The breadth and diversity of the winners this year shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to grow no matter the sector, company size or location.

“I am grateful for the positive attitude and flexible policies these organisations have adapted towards the defence community, which is testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.”

WWL is also a proud member of the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance (VCHA) which has been formed with the aim of improving care for military veterans across the NHS.

The Veteran Aware programme at WWL regularly holds awareness sessions and events aimed at increasing awareness of the needs of our armed forces communities and last year, the Trust was honoured to welcome ex and current servicemen and women to a flag raising event at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Lesley Ann Holding, WWL’s Armed Forces Healthcare Navigator said: “We couldn’t have imagined how different things would be just one year later. All the events and activities that were planned to take place throughout the year have been postponed due to the pandemic.

“However, we have still been reaching out to our Armed Forces community and supporting them. So to receive this award is a brilliant way to re-affirm our close connection with our local defence community.

“As a Veteran Aware hospital we aim to do all we can to ensure veterans and those actively serving receive all the support they can. We will continue work with our Trust colleagues to ensure this programme of enhanced care and support is accessible to all who have given their hard work, dedication and efforts to keep us safe in the UK and across the globe.”

What our veterans and Armed Forces community can expect from WWL are:

  • Being supportive of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces, and their families, are not subject to any disadvantage from their service (compared to local people)
  • Committed to ensuring the Armed Forces Covenant is applied and that special consideration will be given where appropriate.
  • The Trust works with a range of extra services that are available to the Armed Forces Community and we will make you aware of and refer you to any of these that could benefit you.
flag raising
D Day Flag Raising in June 2019 on the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary site

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