EX-SERVICE men and women and being given the chance to be reintroduced into civilian life through placements within the NHS.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has joined forces with members of the armed forces to create potential positions for former military personnel in the hope they further use skills learned during active service.

The new programme – the first of its kind – is aimed at former soldiers and those coming to the end of their military career.

Mary Edwards, Hampshire Hospitals’ chief executive, said: “People working in the military share many of our values. Our hospitals offer a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are compassionate, accountable for their actions, show respect and are always encouraging of others.

“We employ over 5,000 people and are always looking for hard working people with a huge range of skills and abilities; the military has a pool of dedicated hard working people who are looking for a new challenge in a supportive environment. This is a new partnership that we hope will be successful and will continue in the future, benefitting both organisations.”

Steve Cook, joined the trust when he retired from the Royal Air Force. He said: “Leaving the armed forces can be daunting. The NHS offers people the opportunity to be a part of a large supportive organisation that helps them adjust to civilian life.”

The Royal Hampshire County Hospital is hosting an open morning on Friday, September 18, from 9am-1pm, at the Education Centre.

For more information contact Karen Bishop on 01962 825955 or email karen.bishop@hhft.nhs.uk.