Armed Forces Ambassadors

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Andy served as a Regular Army Officer in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical 
Engineers (REME) for 10 years, before being medically retired due to injury. After his 
transition out of the military, he spent six years in the private sector within Professional 
Services, but his desire to return to a large, complex, public sector organisation 
eventually led him to the NHS.

Andy initially had concerns about inefficiency within the NHS. However, he also recognised many aspects of the organisation that exceeded his expectations.

What does Andy do now?

Today, as Site Director for St John's Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in NHS Lothian, he oversees the operations of two hospital sites, managing a direct leadership role with approximately 1,000 staff and site-wide leadership of around 2,500 people. St John's serves as the District General Hospital for West Lothian, while also hosting regional and tertiary surgical services, 
including Plastics, Head & Neck cancer pathways, and the Regional Burns unit.

Looking forward

What Andy enjoys most about his role is the variability and dynamic nature of the work, 
the sense of public service, and the opportunity to work alongside dedicated people in the NHS.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Darren served as a Medical Assistant in the Royal Navy from June 2001 to June 2013. During his time in the armed forces, he gained extensive experience in providing medical support and prioritizing patient welfare in high-pressure environments.

Darren's strong commitment to patient care made his transition into the NHS a natural step.

What does Darren do now?

Today, Darren works in the Outpatients department in Elgin as a Healthcare Support 
Worker (HCSW). His role primarily involves working in the community blood hubs, where he supports patients with essential healthcare services. He also has opportunities to extend his work to clinics in Forres and Buckie health centres, which adds a dynamic element to his responsibilities.

Looking forward

Reflecting on his perception of the NHS before joining, Darren was impressed by the 
organization’s dedication to putting patient welfare first. He admired how the NHS carefully plans and executes its services with a strong emphasis on care delivery. 

Now part of NHS Scotland, Darren has found a good working atmosphere where teamwork and camaraderie are at the heart of his day-to-day experience. “I have great colleagues,” he says, emphasizing the strong sense of support and connection within his team.

Darren also appreciates the opportunities to further develop his medical skills and put his previous experience to good use in a healthcare setting.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Karen served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) from July 1984 to April 1989, 
where she developed a strong foundation in teamwork and service. Today, she continues to support veterans through various roles, including Secretary of the Royal British Legion Scotland Livingston Branch and Chairman of the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services Edinburgh & District Branch, among others.

She is also actively involved in the Royal Naval Association and founded the West Lothian Armed Forces Day charity, representing naval veterans in numerous groups focused on veteran affairs.

What does Karen do now?

Following a 33-year career in the private sector, Karen joined the NHS in May 2022, as a Medical Secretary, and since October 2023 has been a Team Lead - Medical Secretary 
within Women's Services. In this capacity, she oversees a team of eight medical 
secretaries and one administrative support staff member. Karen is currently focused on 
learning the various systems and processes that will enable her to lead effectively.

Looking forward

Before joining the NHS, Karen recognized it as a significant employer within local 
communities and beyond, informed in part by her daughter who has been a nurse for 
over ten years. This familiarity with the organization contributed to her desire to be part of such a vital institution.

What Karen enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the sense of community she 
experiences. She feels fulfilled by the opportunity to give back and pay it forward, 
knowing that her contributions are valued within the organization. This sense of purpose
drives her commitment to supporting both her colleagues and the patients they serve.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Heather has an extensive and accomplished history with the armed forces, spanning from 1994 to 2012. Her service began with 205 General Hospital, later rebranded to 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital TA Unit, where she advanced from Private to Corporal Combat Medical Technician. During her tenure, Heather completed three operational tours of Iraq, contributing significantly to Field Hospital Shaiba and handling medical stores, and an additional tour as a regular soldier through which Heather earned her 
commendation.

She later joined the regular forces on a Full-Time Reserve Service  engagement and was promoted to Staff Sergeant, taking on responsibility for medical stores and earning a commendation for her meticulous work during drawdown preparations.

Heather’s pride in her veteran status remains strong, reflecting her years of dedicated service. Her perception of the NHS was shaped positively even before she joined in her current role.

During her time as a medical secretary in Orthopaedics while in the TA, she experienced first-hand the NHS’s supportive attitude toward the military, including extra leave for training and the integration of military-trained professionals, like a surgeon on rotation. This exposure gave her confidence in the NHS as a military-friendly and skills-recognizing employer.

What does Heather do now?

Today, Heather serves as a Diabetic Retinal Screener with the West Dumbarton Health 
and Social Care Partnership within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. She leverages her medical skills to provide essential eye health services, covering a wide range of locations across Glasgow and Clyde. Her role involves taking patient histories,  performing eye tests, administering eye drops, capturing detailed retinal images, and  assessing these images for further evaluation. It’s a role that requires precision, attention to detail, and excellent patient care—all qualities Heather honed during her military career.

Looking forward

What Heather enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the respect and value placed on experience. The NHS's flexibility and encouragement to build on existing skills are crucial to her continued professional satisfaction. She also appreciates the diverse opportunities available, where military-acquired competencies can be effectively transferred to enhance patient care.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Dean served as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Royal Regiment of Scotland 
from 2009 to 2022, a role that honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of veterans' unique needs. His experience prepared him well for a meaningful career in the NHS.

What does Dean do now?

Before joining NHS Scotland, Dean, like many others, assumed that clinical positions were the primary roles available. It wasn’t until he began his NHS journey that he discovered the wide range of non-clinical opportunities within the organization. Today, Dean is a Project Planning Officer for Veterans' Mental Health Services. His role involves collaborating with third-sector organizations, engaging with clinical teams, and developing strategies to improve mental health services. Dean is passionate about helping others better understand the specific challenges faced by veterans and ensuring these are addressed through well-executed service plans.

Looking forward

What Dean enjoys most about working in NHSScotland is the cohesive, team-oriented environment. He finds a strong sense of purpose in helping people and appreciates the 
professional development opportunities that come with his role. "We’re all one big team," he reflects, emphasizing the unity and collective mission of the NHS.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Josie has a strong connection to the armed forces community through her husband, who has been serving in the Royal Air Force since 2013 and is currently working towards his commission. This background has influenced her understanding of structure, dedication, and adaptability—qualities that she brings to her role within NHSScotland.

What does Josie do now?

Before joining the NHS, Josie’s perception was shaped by the idea of fairer pay for nurses, improved preceptorship programs, and the increased availability of remote opportunities. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on the value of a supportive and well-structured healthcare system. 

Josie now works as a Practice Educator at Dr Gray’s Hospital, where she supports students, learners, and staff. She promotes education and lifelong learning, ensuring that practice learning experiences are of the highest quality. Josie also supports new staff members, implementing preceptorship programs and teaching vital clinical skills. Additionally, she collaborates with departments to enhance best practices across the hospital.

Looking forward

What Josie enjoys most about her role at NHSScotland are the robust support systems in place for both students and staff, which foster a positive learning environment. She appreciates the flexible working policies, especially as a parent, and feels incredibly welcomed and valued as a member of the team. This sense of belonging and mutual respect makes her work not only impactful but also deeply fulfilling.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Paul served in the Royal Air Force as a Survival Equipment Fitter from 1982 to 2006, where he acquired a wealth of transferrable skills and experience. However, he initially faced uncertainty about how to communicate these abilities effectively to potential NHS employers, which resulted in a significant delay in his application for positions within the organization.

What does Paul do now?

Now, as a Learning and Development Facilitator and Organisational Development Advisor with NHS Scotland, Paul plays a vital role in designing, delivering, and evaluating leadership and management programs. He is also involved in team development activities, coaching and mentoring staff, and supporting wellbeing initiatives across the organization.

Looking forward

What Paul enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the opportunity to support and promote personal and professional development at every level of the organization. He values the chance to work across the stunning remote and rural landscapes of the Highlands, which adds to the richness of his role. Additionally, he appreciates the  flexibility offered by a hybrid working approach that combines the use of MS Teams with face-to-face interactions, allowing for a more balanced and effective work experience.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Simon served in the Royal Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant from 1978 to 2009. His initial perception of the NHS was that of a highly team-oriented professional organization composed of various healthcare roles, including GPs, hospital consultants, physiotherapists, and nurses. His understanding deepened through personal connections, as he married a Staff Nurse and watched his daughters pursue careers in healthcare—one as a Staff Nurse at Great Ormond Street, another as a Midwife, and the youngest as a Junior Doctor. His admiration for the challenging work performed by NHS staff grew, particularly in light of the pressures faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does Simon do now?

For nearly ten years, Simon has worked as a Call Handler for NHS24, answering calls to 111. Each call presents a unique situation, ranging from minor injuries to critical emergencies like strokes or heart attacks.

The call handling process is structured to ensure that all pertinent information about a patient's symptoms is conveyed to the Staff Nurse efficiently. Simon utilizes the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format to brief the Staff Nurse, facilitating informed and focused clinical assessments.

Despite the stress that can accompany the role, Simon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and empathetic demeanor with each patient. His shifts, whether six-hour evenings or eight-hour nights, often pass quickly, thanks to short 'screen breaks' that allow for mental resets. The sense of teamwork within NHS24 is crucial for the system’s effectiveness and functionality.

Looking forward

What Simon enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the camaraderie he shares with his colleagues. He values the strong teamwork, professionalism, and friendships that develop within the organization, which contribute to a supportive working environment.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Debbie served with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) from April 1982 to March 2005. Her extensive military experience laid a strong foundation for her skills in nursing and leadership, preparing her for a successful transition to a civilian healthcare career.

When considering a move to the NHS, Debbie felt uncertain and apprehensive, describing it as stepping into the unknown. However, her experience with NHS 24, a special health board, was different—it felt more personal and inviting, helping her ease into the NHS environment.

What does Debbie do now?

Currently, Debbie is a Clinical Services Manager at NHS 24. In this role, she is responsible for operational management and has the opportunity to lead projects. She also remains involved in clinical work to maintain her nursing skills. Her job allows her to blend her strategic leadership abilities with hands-on clinical expertise, ensuring efficient service delivery while contributing to patient care.

Looking forward

Debbie enjoys the teamwork, structure, and the variety of opportunities available within NHS Scotland. The collaborative environment and well-defined processes provide a sense of camaraderie and purpose, making her role both rewarding and engaging.

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Dean is a Regular Army Veteran who dedicated nearly 36 years of service to HM Forces. He began his military career as an infantry soldier, progressing from Private/Rifleman to 
Regimental Serjeant Major in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment. In 2007, he was commissioned as a Late Entry Officer into the Rifles Regiment and served in various roles, including welfare, logistics, training, recruitment, and more, until his retirement in  2019. His extensive experience includes working with Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Veterans, and foreign armies.

Before joining the NHS, Dean perceived it as a heavily clinical environment, characterized by a diverse workforce that was predominantly female. However, this perception evolved as he integrated into the NHS community.

What does Dean do now?

Currently, Dean serves as the Assistant Domestic Services Manager at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he oversees the day-to-day cleaning operations in accordance with 
NHS Scotland’s National Cleaning Services Specification. His role encompasses a wide 
range of responsibilities, including recruitment, training, health and safety, staff management, and budget oversight. Dean collaborates closely with various departments, including clinical, portering, administration, transport, laundry, catering, health and safety, and estates, ensuring seamless operations across the board.

Looking forward

One of the aspects Dean enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the variety his 
role offers; "No day is the same," he notes. He appreciates the autonomy he has to 
manage his responsibilities and the flexibility that comes with his position, allowing him 
to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the healthcare environment

From the Armed Forces Community to the NHS

Ve served as an RAF Medic from 1997 to 2016, where she developed a strong foundation in medical care and teamwork. Her military background shaped her expectations of the NHS, leading her to believe it would be as regimented as military life, characterized by a strong work ethic and esprit de corps.

What does Ve do now?

Upon joining NHS Scotland, Ve discovered a much more supportive and flexible environment than she had anticipated. As a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner, she plays a crucial role in helping patients experiencing anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Ve focuses on building resilience and skills that empower patients to manage their conditions effectively. Her role is predominantly person-centered, allowing her to connect with patients face-to-face as well as through various other methods.

Looking forward

What Ve enjoys most about working in NHS Scotland is the camaraderie and collaborative spirit within the care team. She appreciates that the NHS is incredibly supportive and far less regimented than the military, emphasizing a genuine commitment to putting people at the center of its services. Ve values the autonomy she has in her role, knowing she can work independently while always having access to clinical supervision and support.