Supporting the Armed Forces Community and Cadets

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) is made up of Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. They are proud to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families. 

As Veteran Aware accredited hospitals, we are committed to ensuring that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged when accessing health services. 

We proudly support current employees who are reservists, cadets or veterans, and potential employees who have completed their service and are looking to join the NHS as the next step in their career.

Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Act 2021 came into force in November 2022.  The Act reinforces the Armed Forces Covenant which both hospitals have signed.

This is a legal obligation for our hospitals to have due regard to two principles:

• Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
• Special consideration  is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

Armed Forces Veterans Aware Accreditation

Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals are accredited Armed Forces Veteran Aware hospitals. These awards represent our commitment to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces, whether active, reserves, former or retired members are always treated appropriately, and with no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.

Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals hold the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) award for their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.   The DERS includes bronze, silver, and gold awards.

You can read more about this scheme on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK website.

You can read more why we won the award. 

We recognise the shared values of veterans and their transferable skills and resilience, making them excellent employees within the NHS.

We aim to improve the experience of veterans, regulars, reserves, cadets, and their families whether requiring healthcare or serving as employees of UHN and recognise the transferable skills and experiences of veterans.

We are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces Community are supported, treated equally and receive the same standard of healthcare as any other UK citizen; including retaining their relative position on an NHS waiting list if moved around the UK due to a military service posting and veterans receiving priority treatment for conditions resulting from their service in the Armed Forces.

We can help direct you with your physical, mental and emotional needs through our wide range of services. Many of our staff have been trained to identify and respond to the specific needs of the Armed Forces Community, therefore please do not hesitate to identify yourself as a member or former member of the Armed Forces.

Step into Health

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire have pledged to champion the Step into Health programme, and value the contribution made by the military service personnel and their families.