WCHC and WUTH has officially marked the start of Armed Forces Week 2026 with a flag raising ceremony today, bringing colleagues together to recognise and celebrate the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and military families.
Held at St Catherine’s Health Centre, the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the dedication, commitment and service of the Armed Forces community and both Trust’s continued support for colleagues and patients connected to the Armed Forces.
The event was attended by colleagues from across WCHC and WUTH, including members of the Armed Forces Staff Network.
Those taking part in the ceremony included:
- WO1 (SMI) Julia Higgins, Buildings Manager (WCHC)
- WO2 (SSM) Chris Lamb, Divisional Procurement Manager (WUTH)
- Dr Aaron T Farrell, Locum Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Chair of the Armed Forces Staff Network across WUTH and WCHC
The ceremony created a proud and reflective moment to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week and recognise the important contribution Armed Forces personnel, veterans, reservists and military families continue to make both within the NHS and across wider communities.
Supporting the Armed Forces community remains an important part of both Trust’s values and culture. WCHC and WUTH signed the Armed Forces Covenant as a public commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families and has also achieved the Employers Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in recognition of its work supporting members of the Armed Forces community into NHS careers and creating an inclusive workplace.
Colleagues are encouraged to continue supporting Armed Forces Week by getting involved in the Armed Forces Staff Network Meet and Greet taking place later this week.
The network welcomes colleagues who are veterans, reservists, service family members and supporters of the Armed Forces community. It provides a space to connect, share experiences and build relationships across the Trust and colleagues do not need to have served to get involved.
As part of Armed Forces Week, we are also sharing the story of Anaesthetic Nurse Ben Turnbull, who combines caring for patients at Arrowe Park Hospital with serving as a Nurse in the Royal Air Force Reserves.
Ben’s experience highlights the valuable skills, teamwork and experience reservists bring into healthcare and the positive impact this has on patient care across the Trust.
Read Ben’s story on the WUTH website to find out more about how he balances both roles and why he became involved in the Armed Forces Staff Network.
Top left (clockwise) – colleagues from WCHC and WUTH, Ben Turnball, Anaesthetic Nurse (WUTH) and WO1 (SMI) Julia Higgins, Buildings Manager (WCHC) & WO2 (SSM) Chris Lamb, Divisional Procurement Manager (WUTH)
