Clydebank's hospital has been hailed for the help it provides with the employment of members of the armed forces.

The NHS Golden Jubilee has retained the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest badge of honour given by the Ministry of Defence.

To receive the Gold Award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, have supportive human resources policies in place, and advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Professor Jann Gardner, NHS Golden Jubilee Chief Executive, commented: “NHS Golden Jubilee has been committed to supporting the armed forces family for the past 20 years and we are extremely proud that this has been recognised with the ERS Gold Award revalidation in our 20th anniversary year.

"It is right and proper that we support our armed forces colleagues for their ongoing commitment to public service and the range of civilian and military skills they bring to the NHS frontline.

“Whilst all non-essential activity stopped during the coronavirus pandemic, we are now looking forward to increasing our collaborations and sharing best practice with our armed forces colleagues.”

First recognised as a Supportive Employer of the Armed Forces Reserves in 2013, NHS Golden Jubilee signed the Armed Forces Covenant with the MoD in 2016 and first received the ERS Gold Award in 2017.

Charge nurse Stewart Bower served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders for five years before retraining for a career in the NHS.

Stewart, from Dumbarton, said: “As a military leaver I’ve always been supported in my roles here at NHS Golden Jubilee and I would recommend it to anyone coming out of the military to consider any role within the NHS.

“The skills that you would bring from the military, such as communications and leadership, are the same ones you need in the NHS.

“I started here in 2011 as a nurse in orthopaedics and moved on to being a clinical educator on a two-year secondment, before becoming a charge nurse two years ago, so I’ve also had great career progression here.”

Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People, said: “Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the armed forces community is good for businesses.

“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”