THE trust which runs Basingstoke hospital is joining forces with the military as part of a new partnership which will give servicemen and women the chance to experience working in the NHS.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover, is offering members of the Armed Forces, who are coming to the end of their service, the opportunity to take part in a work attachment programme that could lead to employment, or for already qualified personnel, a guaranteed interview.

Working with the forces’ Career Transition Partnership and Recovery Career Services, retiring and medically-discharged military staff are being offered a variety of placements at all three hospitals and serving clinical military personnel are all being given the opportunity – something which hasn’t been done before.

The trust is keen to hear from people with experience and qualifications in facilities management, project management, planning, administration, as well as electricians, supervisors, doctors, nurses, theatre staff and porters.

Mary Edwards, chief executive at the trust, said: “People working in the military share many of our values. Our hospitals offer a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are compassionate, accountable for their actions, show respect and are always encouraging of others.

“We employ over 5,000 people and are always looking for hard working people with a huge range of skills and abilities. The military has a pool of dedicated hard-working people who are looking for a new challenge in a supportive environment.

This is a new partnership that we hope will be successful and will continue in the future, benefiting both organisations.”

The trust will be holding an open morning for servicemen and women on Friday, September 18 between 9am and 1pm in the Education Centre at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

To book a place call 01962 825955 or email karen.bishop@hhft.nhs.uk.