Armed Forces Week (Monday 24 to Saturday 29 June) has been marked at local hospital sites with flags being raised to remember the sacrifices made by our military.
University Hospitals Tees, which compromises of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, employs a number of former and serving members of the Armed Forces and reservists.
Flags have been raised today (Tuesday 25 June) at The James Cook University Hospital, The Friarage, the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool – a solemn sign of respect for those who have served.
Veteran Aware
Laura Lucas-Hartley, senior general manager to chief medical office and Armed Forces management lead for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud to show our support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community, formed by serving personnel, service families, veterans, and cadets.
“As a group, we are committed to the Armed Forces covenant and are proud to hold the ‘Veteran Aware’ status. On behalf of University Hospitals Tees, we want to say a huge thank you to our Armed Forces community.”
Personal
Colonel (retired) Ian Simpson MBE JP MICG, chair of NTH Solutions LLP and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust Armed Forces champion, said: “Armed Forces Day is personal for me.
“We all work but not many of us work in an environment where you can be on the other side of the world within 12 hours. It’s a tough life, not just for those who serve but also for their families.
“Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to reflect on that service and acknowledge the sacrifice so many have made on our behalf.”