Supporting our Armed Forces
At the Countess we are proud to support the armed forces. We have received the Silver award for the Defence Employer Scheme, we are working towards becoming Veteran Aware and have pledged to ‘Step into Health’ to support service leavers and their families into NHS careers.
2025 will also see the launch of our Armed Forces Network.
Meet some of our reserves currently working at the Countess below
Sarah Skellon
Employed by the Countess of Chester hospital in 2019 and now working in Urgent Care as one of the Risk and Safety leads.
Served with the Reserve Army for 25 years, has deployed experience in a military field hospital, undertaken various camps and military courses. Following a merge of two field hospitals and medical regiments, is now a proud member of 206 (North West) Multi-Role Medical Regiment. Currently working as the Regimental Healthcare Governance Officer and reaching out to our NHS staff and wider community to become part of this new Veterans Staff Network.
Peter Keegan
Educational Support Technician, Resuscitation & Clinical Skills training team and Medical Education
“I actually joined the reserves 1989, before joining the regular army in 1991 til 1999. Having enjoyed the structure of the military it only made sense that whilst in a different job I reverted back to my original reservist commitment in 1999. Having spent time in the army I now really enjoy passing on my knowledge and experience in a range of areas that support the work that needs to be done.”
Step into Health
Step into Health is open to all Service Leavers and Veterans and their spouse/partner. It is an incredible opportunity in which employers are working with the Armed Forces Community to provide career and development opportunities within the NHS.
Whether you are interested in catering, maintenance, administration, finance, communications, management, or a role in one of the clinical services, to name but a few, this programme will benefit you. The NHS is keen to invite you to explore your transferable skills and the potential training and career opportunities available.
The Step into Health Programme has been created because the NHS recognises the transferable skills and cultural values that Armed Forces personnel develop when serving, and how they are compatible with those required within NHS roles.
The Countess of Chester Hospital is proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to hearing from you soon.
We would love to hear from you if you think we can help or you want to get involved with any of our activity. For more information, please contact molly.whelan@nhs.net or call 01244 363438.