WIREDGOV

Health Minister Mark Drakeford is encouraging people to nominate individuals or teams who have provided the Armed Forces with the very best in health and social care.

The sixth Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards (MCHPA) were launched yesterday by the Ministry of Defence and the Departments of Health in the UK.  

The UK-wide awards celebrate the partnership between Britain’s military and healthcare workers and are open to civilian health staff and military medics and clinicians working in the Defence Medical Services, the NHS, and private or voluntary sectors.

They honour the people, projects and initiatives that provide our serving personnel, including Reserves, their families and service veterans with the very best in healthcare and social care. The deadline for nominations is July 27.

Professor Drakeford said:

"Following last year's successful awards ceremony, which was hosted in Wales and included a Welsh winner and finalist, I am pleased we once again have the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, commitment and dedication shown by health professionals from across the public, private and voluntary sector in caring for the men and women in the Armed Forces.

“I would encourage people to consider nominating either themselves or others for these awards - it is important we recognise their contribution to improving the lives of service personnel and veterans."

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Local Government and Government Business, whose portfolio includes responsibility for the Armed Forces and veterans, said:

"It is  important we recognise, especially given the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014,  the immense contribution the Armed Forces and veterans have made to this country.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and a duty of care, particularly those who have developed health problems as a result of their military service. It is also vital we acknowledge the role of those who  care for and support service personnel and veterans, especially in recent years when the Armed Forces have been heavily engaged overseas."

Details of the awards, including how to make a nomination, are available on the Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards website atwww.militarycivilianhealthawards.org