The James Paget has been shortlisted for two awards for the work the hospital is doing to support armed service veterans.
The English Veterans Awards ceremony is being held on 23 October and we’re delighted that both the James Paget University Hospital and our Armed Force Advocate Chris Blyth have been shortlisted for awards.
Chris is a finalist in the Community Award, while the hospital is nominated for the Health & Well-being Award.
The Community Award aims to recognise a veteran that works for an organisation, business or charity who has gone above and beyond for the community, while the Health & Well-being Award is for an organisation which works to promote health and wellbeing for veterans.
The awards are run in association with the Army Benevolent Fund, and proudly support the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and acknowledge veterans, reservists and organisations that support the military community.
Chris served with the British Army for 23 years and his appointment as our Armed Forces Advocate has seen our hospital increase the support offered to veterans both within the hospital and in the community, with events like our Veterans Coffee Mornings providing opportunities for social interaction and awareness raising.
Chris was also one of the driving forces behind our Safe Garden – a courtyard space that was transformed to create a safe haven for veterans and patients with dementia, learning disabilities and autism.
You can read more about his work and find out about the support available on our website here; https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/armed-forces-advocate/