This grant will help fund the core services we provide to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Serving, Veterans and families who are receiving medical treatment throughout the UK, Cyprus and Germany.
DMWS has been ‘caring for those who serve’ for 75 years, providing practical and emotional support to members of the Armed Forces Community when they are in hospital. DMWS Welfare Officers have deployed to every major conflict since World War 2, working alongside medical staff, supporting soldiers and their families when faced with uncertainty and stress of medical treatment. In 1982 Welfare Officers deployed on ‘Operation Corporate’ alongside Naval comrades, directly on-board SS Uganda, the Military Hospital Ship at the Falkland Islands.
The closure of British Military hospitals in recent years means that DMWS Welfare Officers support Service Personnel in NHS hospitals, where they are now treated. A recent case involved a 34 year old Naval Officer with a life changing condition. He was initially admitted to a hospital care unit, and later transferred to Headley Court. DMWS has been supporting the patient and immediate family for 8 weeks to help them come to terms with the diagnosis.
Paul Gaffney, CEO of DMWS said:
“We are delighted that The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital have awarded this grant in recognition of our vital work in supporting Royal Navy and Royal Marines serving personnel, veterans and their families.
This will enable DMWS Welfare Officers to continue to help people within the medical pathway at times when our specialist welfare support is most needed. DMWS looks forward to working with the RNRMC on future initiatives for the benefit of the armed forces community.”
Speaking about the RNRMC’s support of DMWS, Director of Relationships and Funding at the RNRMC, Mandy Lindley said:
“The RNRMC is delighted to award DMWS with a grant of £50,000. By providing high-quality medical welfare support, they help naval servicemen and women in the most critical times of need.
Working alongside NHS Trusts and community health facilities, DMWS offer confidential advice, independent assessment, support through bereavement and illness, and care for families.
As the Royal Navy’s charity, we are very pleased to be able to contribute to the crucial services that they provide to our Naval Service community.”
For more information on DWMS visit www.dmws.org.uk
For more information on The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity please visit www.rnrmc.org.uk
For more information on Greenwich Hospital please visit www.grenhosp.org.uk
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Notes to editors:
For immediate Release
For further information on DMWS please contact Christine Pilbeam, Marketing and PR Manager on 01264 774 270 or email mfo@dmws.org.uk
Registered Charity in England and Wales (1087210) and in Scotland (SC045460)
About St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) has been providing a person-centred medical welfare service to the Armed Forces Community since 1943. In that time we have supported over 1,000 000 patients and their families, ensuring that no one goes through the worry of injury and illness alone. Our highly trained welfare officers provide practical and emotional support to those receiving medical treatment. Recent new projects with organisations such as the police, the NHS and the probation service demonstrates the broad appeal of the organisation and its application to a wide set of frontline services. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
