Among them is Cat Balcombe, who has served as the Head of Occupational Health at the Trust for six years and as a Reservist for 14 years, serving as a Nursing Officer with a specialty in critical care. With two deployments to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2010, Cat led intensive care units under the Territorial Army, gaining critical experience in high-stakes medical situations requiring resilience, adaptability, and swift decision-making—qualities that have enriched her work in the NHS.
Cat’s journey exemplifies the vital skills female veterans bring to healthcare. With military training grounded in leadership and crisis management, veterans contribute essential expertise and adaptability that translate seamlessly into NHS roles. Cat encourages other female veterans to consider careers in the NHS.
She says: “The skills gained in the military can be incredibly valuable in healthcare, and there are so many roles where those skills can make a difference.”
Yet, female veterans often encounter distinct challenges in their civilian careers. Cat explains that while her skills enable her to handle major incidents, her military background might go unnoticed within civilian healthcare, leading to feelings of isolation in the absence of the close-knit support familiar in active duty. Adjusting to new workplace cultures and leadership styles can also present challenges.
In response, the Trust is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families. This commitment includes actively recognizing the skills and experience that veterans bring to the NHS and fostering a welcoming, inclusive workplace. The Trust’s Armed Forces Community working group offers veterans a space to share experiences and find mutual support, helping bridge the gap between military and civilian life.
This Remembrance Day, we invite all female veterans to seek support from the Armed Forces Community. Together, we can honour their contributions, strengthen our network, and uphold our pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant. For more information, please visit our Armed Forces Community resources page and connect with a community that values your service.
Earlier this year, the Trust reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant by installing plaques promoting that it is an accredited Veteran Aware Trust and an Armed Forces-friendly organisation.
(Cat is pictured (right) with Clare Smith, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, who also has a military background and brings her invaluable leadership experience to her role as Deputy Chief Executive.)