Opportunities for Veterans: Careers in NHS Encouraged
In an effort to bolster their ranks, hospitals like Guy’s and St Thomas’ along with NHS England are actively seeking serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, as well as their families, to pursue careers in the NHS. This push comes as part of a larger initiative to recruit individuals into 14 allied health professions, aiming to increase the number of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) by approximately 70,000 by the year 2036/37.
A Personal Journey: From the Navy to the Operating Theatre
One individual who has successfully made the transition from military service to a healthcare career is Alex Oliver, a 34-year-old operating department practitioner at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. After dedicating 12 years to the Royal Navy, where he served as an able seaman and in logistics, Mr. Oliver decided to pursue a different path upon getting married and desiring a more stable home life.
Reflecting on his time in the Navy, Mr. Oliver shared, “I’d always had an interest in science, and we trained as level 3 first aiders in the Navy.” His journey into the healthcare field began with a year of nursing at King’s College Hospital, but it was a visit to the operating theatres at Guy’s Hospital that truly captured his interest. The dynamic environment resonated with his past experiences, prompting him to switch courses and complete a three-year operating department practice degree. Eventually, he found himself in the main theatres at St Thomas’ Hospital, where his military background proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Translating Military Skills to Healthcare
Mr. Oliver noted the similarities in communication, organization, and teamwork between the operating theatre and military settings. Drawing parallels between the high-stakes environment of surgery and the urgency of military operations, he highlighted the importance of clear directives, confidence in one’s team, and putting the patient at the center of care. As someone who understands the gravity of the situation for patients undergoing surgery, Mr. Oliver emphasized the role of healthcare workers in providing support and reassurance throughout the process.
Joining Forces: A Call to Action for Veterans
Fiona Sandford, a consultant physiotherapist and clinical lead of Armed Forces at Guy’s and St Thomas’, underscored the value of skills possessed by the Armed Forces community. Resilience, adaptability, and dedication are traits that seamlessly translate into the healthcare field, making veterans ideal candidates for allied health professions. With over 100 veterans already expressing interest in exploring opportunities within the NHS, the open days hosted by Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals aim to provide a firsthand look at the rewarding careers available as AHPs.
In conclusion, the transition from military service to healthcare presents a unique opportunity for veterans to leverage their skills and experiences in a new and meaningful way. By bridging the gap between two critical sectors, individuals like Alex Oliver exemplify the success that can be achieved through dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to serving others. If you are a veteran interested in exploring a career in allied health professions, consider attending the upcoming sessions hosted by Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals to learn more about the possibilities that await in the NHS.
