During Armed Forces Week, which includes Reserves Day, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has been proud to show its commitment to both veterans and reservists among its staff and volunteers.

 The trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and local community NHS services, has previously received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence in recognition of their efforts to ensure staff who also work in the armed forces have the time they need to train. 

To win the award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Among trust staff who are also reservists is Megan Ley, a newly qualified registered nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit.

In her spare time she is an army reservist in the Queens Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps serving with 206 multi-role medical regiment (206MMR) who are based in various locations in the NW Stockport, Liverpool, Chorley and Blackpool.

Due to the trust’s reserve policy, Megan has been receiving the extra paid leave she needs to attend training events.

Megan said “Being a reservist even for the short period has built my confidence and given me a whole new perspective on life in general. I’m looking forward to completing my basic training and really getting involved as an army nurse whilst still being in the NHS.”