THE Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has joined an ever-growing list of leading companies and organisations in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed Forces and their families, are treated fairly.

The signing took place at the hospital with the chief executive, Paula Head, signing on behalf of the Royal Surrey and Major Zoe Dawson-Cooper, regimental nursing officer, 256 (City of London) Field Hospital, signing on behalf of the armed forces.

Royal Surrey is a leading general hospital and specialist centre for cancer services and treatment. The Trust currently employs 10 members of staff who are either reservists or former servicemen and women.

By signing the Covenant, which has been in existence since 2013, the Trust has also been awarded a Bronze Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme in recognition of its commitment to the armed forces.

Jonathan Darrington-Slegg, who represented the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the South East of England, said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant has provided an opportunity to establish a solid relationship between the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the armed forces community.

“Co-signing the Covenant with 256 (City of London) Field Hospital has provided an opportunity to create local links with a regionally based Army Reserve Unit.”

Paula Head added: “Royal Surrey is proud to demonstrate its continued commitment to supporting servicemen and women, their families and veterans.

“Signing the Covenant is extremely important to the Trust, honouring those making a unique pledge to their country.

“As well as being a forces friendly employer, Royal Surrey also recognises the specific needs that patients who have served in the armed forces may have.”