Plans to expand the
number of NHS staff who train as reservists for the armed forces have been
explored in a major reservist summit.
Leaders and representatives from
key organisations across the health system met on Tuesday, 25 March, to discuss
plans to significantly expand programmes of engagement between the Ministry of
Defence (MOD) and NHS organisations.
In a wide-ranging debate, the
benefits to healthcare, individuals and national defence were highlighted.
Staff who become reservists undergo fitness checks and receive world class
training that significantly improves their capability in either
workplace.
At the summit, organisations
committed to support the objectives of last year’s MOD ‘Reserves in the Future Force 2020: Valuable and
Valued’paper, which stated that by 2020 volunteer reservists in the
UK will need to make up around 29% of the nation’s defence capacity.
Currently over 2,000 NHS staff are trained and registered
reservists.
Minister for Defence Personnel,
Welfare and Veterans, Anna Soubry,
said:
I am delighted to have attended
this summit, which has proved very useful in exploring future opportunities for
NHS staff to join the reserves.
The NHS has long played an
invaluable role providing reservists to our armed forces and we are committed
to utilising the skills that every healthcare professional brings. Reserve
service makes for a healthier armed forces and a stronger NHS; it is to our
mutual benefit.
The UK reserve forces play a
vital part in our nation’s defence. Find out how you can get involved and what is on offer for
reserves.