A trust has been awarded by the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence.

This award is given to organisations that show exceptional support to the Armed Forces community.

The Gold Award signifies that the trust is a role model in the area, championing the Armed Forces and the Covenant.

The trust's support extends to its supply chain and includes promoting Op Courage and Op Restore among staff and patients.

Stephen Collman, managing director of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "In 2020 we made a pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to support the Armed Forces Community as an organisation and forces-friendly employer.

"We value the skills and the positive contribution Service Leavers, Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces Community bring to our teams and welcome applications from those who are looking to start a new career in civilian life."

The trust operates the Alexandra, Kidderminster, and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals and employs several veterans, reservists, and cadet volunteers, as well as many family members of the Armed Forces.

In 2023, the trust was also renewed as a Veteran Aware Trust under the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance.

Rebecca Brown, chair of the Armed Forces Committee, said: "We are also looking into new ways to identify our veteran patients and their families so that we can provide them with the best care possible and if required signpost them to local charities."

The trust continues to seek innovative ways to serve its Armed Forces Community Patients through its active Armed Forces Network.

The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is a recognition from the Ministry of Defence for organisations that show exceptional support to the Armed Forces community.

The award is given at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

The trust's commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant involves treating those who serve or have served and their families fairly.

This includes support for Armed Forces reserve staff training and mobilisations.