West Midlands Ambulance Service wins award for it’s support to the Armed Forces
West Midlands Ambulance Service has scooped an award for the work it does to encourage members of the Armed Forces to come and work within the NHS.
The Step into Health Awards 2020 took place on Tuesday 10th March in Central London and celebrated the work of employers that are pledged to support Step into Health. The programme recognises that veterans and people leaving the Armed Forces have transferable skills and the commitment that matches many roles within the ambulance service and wider NHS.
The awards also recognise the successes of former armed services personnel who have been through the programme and are now employed in the NHS. As an ambulance service, the Trust actively supports reservists so that they can continue their military role while also working within the NHS.
The Trust’s Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, Kim Nurse, scooped the ‘NHS Advocate for Step into Health’ award jointly with another shortlisted candidate. The award recognised her determination to drive forward engagement at a local level, her influence to change behaviour within WMAS and for her dedicated support to members of the Armed forces community.
Kim, who attended the event with HR Manager Maria Watson and Military Champions Carl Pockett, Tim Atherton and Kelly Carr, had the privilege of being hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge for a private reception at Kensington Palace ahead of the award ceremony.
Talking about her award, Kim said: “Staff who have previously worked in the armed forces are often ideally suited to roles within the ambulance service. Many say that the ambulance service has the same feel and camaraderie that they so enjoyed while serving their country. They see that they can continue to make a tremendous impact within the communities that we serve.
“It was an honour and a privilege to represent WMAS and showcase nationally all the excellent work and commitment given by our staff at this Step into Health Awards. The Duke of Cambridge was interested to hear about the range of support we provide to encourage new military joiners and how our staff, who are undertaking reservist roles are provided with assistance.
“It is clear there is a real synergy of public duty values between those in the NHS and MOD and I am proud to have played a part in promoting our organisations career opportunities to such as wide audience.”
