This Reserves Day, we spoke with Simon, Transformation Manager with the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA), and Tracey, Consultant Scientist in Haemato-Oncology here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.
Tracey has been part of the Army Reserve since 1989, now working as a clinical scientist when called to action, with Simon having been actively training with the Army Reserve for the past couple of years as a Combat Medical Technician (CMT).
What was your motivation behind joining the Army Reserve?
Tracey: I was already working for the NHS and wanted a new challenge, wanted to get fit and take on a new challenge.
Simon: It was something I wanted to do when I was younger, but the opportunity never came about. So, when I got the chance later in life, I took it!
What do you find the most rewarding aspect of it?
Tracey: Being able to save lives. And seeing people later in life who might not be here if it wasn’t for the incredible effort of everyone in those medical tents.
Simon: The camaraderie and spending time with likeminded people is a large part of it for me. Knowing you’re working with people that will have your back when the chips are down drives you on to achieve things you didn’t think were possible.
How do you balance work and your Army Reserve duties?
Tracey: I’ve got really good support at work. They’re aware of what I do, and I’ve been doing it for so long now they’re great at working around me.
Simon: My managers at the CMCA have been fantastically supportive of my Army Reserve activities. Most commitments are planned well in advance and so are easily accommodatable.
What does Reserves Day and the importance of observing it mean to you?
Tracey: I met my husband, Royston, in the army in 1996. He’s a veteran and fellow reservist, so it’s got a personal importance to me. It’s also a great opportunity to network and raise awareness about what support is on offer for those in the Armed Forces Community.
Simon: I think Reserves Day, and the wider Armed Forces Day, activities are a fantastic opportunity for employers to show that they value the additional skills and experience that members of the Armed Forces Community can bring to their organisation.
Clatterbridge is proud to be a Veteran and Armed Forces friendly hospital to all patients, families, carers and staff. For further information about the support available, please contact: ccf-tr.patientexperienceteam@nhs.net
