Royal Army Medical Corps support our NHS teams
A total of 12 Combat Medical Technicians and Paramedics from the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) have been deployed to Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend since April 2020.
Their role within the hospital has been to provide support to the COVID-19 wards, in particular, the COVID respiratory high care unit as well as the intensive care unit. They have worked on both day and night shifts to support the needs of the wards.
Dr (Captain) Ed Scanlon who is an army doctor working at the hospital, said: “The staff at Princess of Wales Hospital have embraced the different experience and knowledge that the military can add during a time of crisis.
“The hospital has brought in soldiers and officers with a wide variety of skills to enhance the COVID response. The collaborative work has been highly effective. The military personnel have had the opportunity to learn from our civilian colleagues, up-skilling in many areas as well as sharing ideas.
“Working together with the combined aim of helping patients has been highly rewarding. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such a passionate, caring and friendly community as the one found in Princess of Wales Hospital.”
Infantry soldiers from 1st Battalion The Rifles have been also deployed to the A&E department to work alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust. These soldiers have been decontaminating any ambulance transferring sick patients to the hospital, therefore, reducing the risk to patients and keeping ambulances on the road.
Catherine Roberts, service group manager for medicine at the hospital, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to meet and work alongside professional members of our armed forces.
“We are very grateful for all that they have done in a range of roles during this challenging time.
“All staff, who have worked alongside them, have admired their approach, skills and willingness to do all that they can to assist. We hope that this will be the start of a long term, mutually beneficial, relationship where we can learn from each other, while serving our local population.”
