The NHS trust that runs Hinchingbrooke, Peterborough and Stamford hospitals has forged a link with the armed forces to help provide employment for ex-service personnel and their partners.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust director of workforce, Louise Tibbert, has signed the trust up to the Step Into Health programme, which supports people leaving the armed forces, veterans and their partners to access the career opportunities available in the NHS.

Louise said: “The programme is an excellent way for our hospitals to benefit from the skills and experience ex-service personnel can bring. Many of the skills they develop in service are transferable and their cultural values are closely aligned to that of the NHS.

“For us, this is a win-win situation, as we are able to offer support to the armed forces community while enhancing our recruitment programme at the same time.”

The trust signed the Armed Forces Covenant in December - demonstrating its commitment towards being a forces-friendly employer. Until 2014, Peterborough City Hospital was home to a Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU), which was the base for many military medical staff.

Louise added: “The trust already employs a number of ex-forces personnel, thanks to the legacy of our MDHU, as well as reservists and partners of service men and women. We want to do more to make our hospitals a supportive place of work for these staff, and those who join our ranks in the future.

“We are proud to have signed up to the Step Into Health programme. There are 350 different careers within the NHS, so there is so much on offer to attract new recruits from all walks of life.”

Lorraine Cadle, employer engagement manager at the Career Transition Partnership, said: “Step into Health is a fantastic initiative aimed at promoting a wide range of opportunities in the NHS to those transitioning out of the services. Many service leavers associate the NHS with clinical roles, but this programme is promoting a variety of roles across all disciplines such as IT, project management, facilities, administration and engineering.”