RUH welcomes new Welfare Officer for armed forces community
The support is targeted at those who are serving, reservists or who are veterans - as well as their families - thanks to their work with the Defence Medical Welfare Service charity
Bath's RUH is extending its support for the Armed Forces community thanks to a brand new welfare officer, introduced by the Defence Medical Welfare Service charity.
They'll be able to provide extra help and make sure patients and their families can access the wide range of services available to them.
The hospital says they're 'committed' to acting on what matters the most to the people who they care for.
The support is targeted at those who are serving, reservists or who are veterans - and also extends into those who have family in the Armed Forces too.
The extra help can include referrals for health-related needs such as mental health, substance misuse and physical wellbeing.
Patients will be asked about their background regarding the Armed Forces as a standard question when they're welcome into the RUH.
There's no minimum length of service asked for.
The RUH can also help with supported referrals for other factors that affect a person’s welfare, including education and training, housing and employment.
Fiona Leslie, who is working as the RUH’s Defence Medical Welfare Officer, said: “People serving or who have served in the military are exposed to lots of very different challenges and experiences that most of us will never come across as civilians.
“They, and their families, sacrifice so many aspects of their lives to serve the nation, so the least we can do is support them and their family members and carers when they need it.
“There is a lot of support out there for a wide variety of welfare needs, but people have to be aware of it and able to access it, and that’s what I can help with.
“It’s better for the RUH too, as having the right support means that people don’t need to stay in hospital longer than necessary or have an unnecessary readmission because support when they are discharged isn’t in place.”
The RUH is an accredited Veteran Aware hospital, a Gold member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, and has worked closely with the Defence Medical Welfare Service to make this latest improvement happen.
Cara Charles-Barks, RUH Chief Executive and Honorary Colonel of 243 (The Wessex) Field Hospital said: “We’re committed to listening to the people we care for, and acting on what matters most to them.
“Being part of the armed forces community is a really important part of people’s identity, and it’s essential that we recognise that people might have slightly different needs as a result of this.
“I’m delighted that our support has been expanded – it’s part of our responsibility to ensure that we’re delivering the best possible care. We will continue listening, learning and responding.”
You can find out more on the RUH's website.
You can also contact Fiona, their new Wellbeing Officer, directly via this link.