Gold award for North Wales health board’s commitment to veterans

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has been re-accredited by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

It is the second time the north Wales health board has received a gold accreditation, acknowledging its support to the past and present Armed Forces Community.

BCUHB’s Chief Executive Officer Carol Shillabeer and Armed Forces Lead Zoe Roberts attended the ERS Gold Awards ceremony earlier this month at Hensol Castle to celebrate the success.

Zoe said: “It was an absolute pleasure to join our newly appointed Chief Executive Carol at the ceremony, to celebrate the work our veteran volunteers have delivered across the Health Board to achieve the gold standard.

“I am thrilled to be supported by BCUHB led by Carol in my role as Armed Forces Covenant and Veteran Healthcare Collaborative Lead.

“I am extremely proud to be leading the Armed Forces portfolio here in BCUHB; the Armed Forces Community are my extended family, and serving them makes me truly happy.

“Whether it be supporting Armed Forces Staff members or patients, I genuinely strive each day to ensure that we as a Healthcare provider, we are doing our very best to live up to our “exemplar” forces-friendly credentials.”

Last year the Health Board launched a new programme called the North Wales Veterans Healthcare Collaborative (NWVHC) to ensure that the Armed Forces community across North Wales, are not disadvantaged in the care they receive and where possible, that they receive personalised care and improve patient outcomes.

Zoe added: “It was also great to see the efforts of our neighbouring organisations who joined the celebration on Friday, to receive their own Defence ERS Gold Awards.

“The Defence Relationship Management teams work extremely hard to support us as Armed Forces Leads, so that we are able to fulfil our commitments of supporting our Armed Forces Communities.

“Ultimately, BCUHB operates as an exemplar pathfinder Health Board for Wales in supporting the Armed Forces Community.”

The Health board has been working closely with the Defence Relationship Management team and their Regional Employer Engagement Director, which has led to partnership working with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Career Transition Partnership, and has resulted in the streamlining of recruitment of MOD Service Leavers.

The Health Board also supports staff who are reservists, providing 10 days’ additional (fully paid) leave for training, whilst simultaneously promoting an active, encouraging environment for this valued cohort of personnel.

For further information, advice or support accessing BCUHB services as a veteran visit the health board’s website.