Recognising Remembrance Day 2024
On Remembrance Day (11 November), Northwick Park Hospital’s Steve Hiles shares how the dedication and selfless nature he experienced in the Armed Forces and is honoured at this time of year led to him finding his ‘NHS family’.
Steve said:
“I truly think anyone in the army could also work for the NHS, there are so many transferable skills.
“Just as in the British Army, the NHS has a solid structure so that everyone knows their role and is accountable. I’m also impressed by the incredible selflessness and loyalty both sets of colleagues show, giving of themselves to do the job well and get it done.”
Steve joined the British Armed Forces (Reserves) at the age of 18 as a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps and trained as a Combat Medical Technician.
'I felt at home instantly in Theatre'
Four decades later with a range of experience in clinical and non-clinical NHS roles, and a Biomedical Science degree under his belt, the structured order of the Armed Forces particularly strikes Steve as familiar to the NHS, most noticeably when working in operating theatres.
“I felt at home instantly in Theatre,” Steve explained. “Just as in the army I found there was a clear aim that we were all working to, each with our own tasks to complete, following set procedures to understand each other’s movements and protect the patient such as ensuring no infection risk.”
Steve is now also putting his managerial skills to good use as a Sergeant Instructor in the Cadets where he teaches young people key life skills.
He said: “As enjoyable as it is to now be working in Maternity where so often at the end of the day you’re met with happy, smiling faces, I also feel real achievement when cadets come up to me saying they can’t imagine where they would have ended up if it wasn’t for us.
“The Cadets can be a good way to learn about the army, but it’s more about preparing young people for handling life’s tough times through respect, discipline and courage – not a world away from skills also used in the NHS.
“The other thing in common is the people. Whether in the army or the NHS there’s a real friendship and comradery among the team, and we carry each other through the difficult moments. We’re one big family.”
We will remember them
As part of Remembrance Day to remember those who died in conflict, all three hospitals at LNWH will hold special memorial events to recognise the two-minute silence at 11am on 11 November 2024.