Dorset County Hospital receives award for its support towards armed forces community

The hospital was awarded a Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award after being recognised for its work, and is rewarded to organisations who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served, as well as their families, are treated fairly.

The award was presented by the Wessex Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association, making the hospital one of only 16 organisations in the south west region to receive it.

The decision to award DCH was made at a meeting of the Tri-Service Regional Employer Engagement Board, which recognised the work the hospital has done to support serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

The award was presented by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Dorset, Angus Campbell at a ceremony held in the West Dorset District Council offices in Dorchester.

The award was received on behalf of the hospital by Major Toby Hood, a former officer in the regular Army, and now the private and overseas patient manager in the hospital, as well as an Army Reservist commanding the Dorset based C Company, 6th Battalion, The Rifles.

Major Hood was joined by Major Michael Lamparelli, consultant colorectal surgeon and reservist surgeon, and Private Carl Bulman, a senior healthcare assistant with the Acute Hospital at Home Team. Both serve with the 243 (Wessex) Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps.

Mark Addison, the chairman of DCH said: "We are very proud to have received this award from the Wessex Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association.

"We have a number of staff employed at DCH who are retired service personnel, Reservists and Cadet Fore volunteers, and, as signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, we take seriously our commitment to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces."