Remembrance Day – Monday, 11 Nov 2024
This Remembrance Day, we will gather to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives for the cause of freedom and peace, reflecting on the sacrifices made by our veterans, reservists and their families, both past and present.
Signing the Armed Forces Covenant
Last month, executives and directors from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust took part in the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. At the event, RCHT colleagues were privileged to be joined by representatives from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose and 211 Hospital Squadron, part of 243 (Wessex) Multi-Role Medical Regiment, an Army Reserve unit based in Truro.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Its two principles are: ‘Recognising the unique obligations and sacrifices made by those who serve in the Armed Forces (whether Regular or Reserve), those who have served in the past, and their families, and ensuring they face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Also, that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.’
Steve Williamson, Chief Executive Officer for Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said at the event:
“At RCHT, we have a proud history of working closely with our Armed Forces communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We’ve worked hard on developing access into our services for armed forces personnel and their families, as well as creating pathways of employment into our organisation for those who have served, those who serve, and their families. Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant is about ensuring everything we do provides equity and equality of opportunity in terms of working within our organisation. In signing the Covenant, I’m signing on behalf of our board at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and giving my personal commitment to supporting equity and fairness for armed forces colleagues, for their families, and those who served in the past. This commitment is important at any time, but particularly so as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
John Clague, Deputy General Manager in Acute and Emergency Medicine and chair of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Armed Forces staff network, said at the signing:
“On behalf of all of us at RCHT, I’d like to say a personal thank you to our Executive team for recommitting to the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment is particularly poignant during our annual poppy appeal as we remember those who laid down their lives for our country. Cornwall is home to major Navy and Air Force Bases, as well as Army Reserve units. RCHT employs many veterans as well as family members of serving and ex-service personnel. We also treat many of these people in our hospitals. These pledges made through Veterans Aware and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme will improve our patient’s experience and benefit staff from the Armed Forces community.”
Wreath laying ceremonies
To mark the day of remembrance, there will be wreath laying ceremonies taking place across Cornwall.
Remembrance Service – 11 November
A remembrance service for all colleagues will be held by our wonderful chaplaincy team and Chief Executive, Steve Williamson, on Monday 11 November from 10.55am to 11.10am. A link to join has been sent via email to all users.