WIREDGOV

The UK-wide Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards celebrate the work of Britain’s military and heath care workers and are open to civilian health staff and military medics working within the Defence Medical Services, the NHS, and private or voluntary sectors.

The awards honour the people, projects and initiatives that provide serving military personnel, including Reserves, their families and service veterans with the very best in healthcare and social care.

The 2013 awards ceremony, to be held on 21 May, is being hosted by the Welsh Government.  Since yesterday, people are now able to nominate individuals or teams who provide care and support to service personnel.  Nominations close on 21 February 2013.

Launching the awards at the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital Unit (Volunteers) in Cardiff, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am proud Wales is hosting the 2013 awards.  The awards 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 of the armed forces.

“It is important we recognise the immense contribution the Armed Forces and veterans have made to our 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.

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

Minister of State for Defence Personnel Welfare and Veterans, Mark Francois MP, said:

“The Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards provide a great opportunity to pay tribute to the dedication and fantastic results that our military and civilian colleagues achieve by working together to improve military health.
 
"I want to encourage people to visit the website to nominate all those who have provided the very best health and social care to our service personnel.”

UK Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter, said:

“These awards will shine a light on the efforts of the military,  NHS and service charities to make sure members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans have the best care possible.

“Such important work should not go unnoticed.  I urge people to put themselves or their colleagues forward to have their efforts and achievements in caring for our armed forces, their families and veterans, recognised.”

The 203 Field Hospital Unit was founded in 1914 and consists of Reservist volunteers made up of civilians, NHS and military medics.  The Unit has already begun preparations for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in the coming months in support of the Regular Army on Operations.

The launch event included a demonstration of the treatment of a casualty from ambulance to resuscitation.

During the visit, the Minister was accompanied by Rear Admiral Calum McArthur; Brigadier Philip Napier, Commander 160 (Wales) Brigade and Colonel Tina Donnelly, Commanding Officer 203 Field Hospital.