University Hospitals Tees has launched a pioneering initiative to provide more personalised patient care for its armed forces community.
Former British Army nurse, Hannah Robertson was recently appointed as a Help for Heroes nurse for University Hospitals Tees.
Thanks to funding from Help for Heroes, Hannah can provide specialist clinical support and advice to the armed forces community which includes those, and their immediate family members, who are currently serving or retired veterans.
Despite only being in the role a few weeks, former army nurse, Hannah is already making a positive impact on the armed forces community.
She said: “I have already been to visit several veterans who have all been so welcoming and keen to talk and share stories.
“Not all people need my help, some just like to have a chat and tell me about their military careers, but for those who do find themselves in the position of needing extra support, it’s been an honour to be able to co-ordinate their care and be an advocate.
“It’s been great to see the positive impact this specialist role is already having on the armed forces community, and I look forward to developing the role further.”
Hannah’s role, which is fully funded by Help for Heroes was created after the national charity identified a gap in support for members of the armed forces community with many veterans finding it difficult to engage with hospital services and treatment.
Due to injuries and other conditions from their time in service, they can often need additional support during treatment and after-care.
Hannah previously served in the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps for 14 years and worked as a clinical sister on the intensive care ward at The James Cook University Hospital before starting her new role.
Specialist support for armed forces
She is now working across University Hospitals Tees, which is a fully accredited ‘veteran aware’ organisation to act as a liaison between healthcare services.
Using her military training and experience, she helps members of the armed forces community navigate the right care and support for their individual needs, whilst supporting staff with specialist training, guidance and resources.
Her role provides a provides a continuity of care for members of the armed Forces community transitioning from military to civilian healthcare services and enables patients to engage with their local community.
The support also extends to immediate family members and carers of the armed Forces community, recognising the impact military services can have on the family unit.
Stuart Irvine, group director of risk, assurance and compliance said: “On behalf of University Hospitals Tees, we are delighted to welcome Hannah into post as our dedicated Help for Heroes nurse.
“Having worked in both military and health-care settings, Hannah has a wealth of experience and a real passion for helping others, that makes her the perfect fit for co-ordinating personalised patient care for our armed Forces community across University Hospitals Tees.”