Recognition for UK civilian nurses in action in Afghanistan and Iraq

The unique contribution of civilian nurses who have served and continue to serve with the Ministry of Defence in operational deployment overseas was recognised this week when fifteen nurses and a neurosurgeon received campaign medals for their services in Afghanistan and Iraq.

More than 60 civilian specialist nurses and neurosurgeons have so far taken short term deployment to support their military counterparts in the field. This is part of a collaboration that began in 2004 between Defence Medical Services and remote site medical specialists Frontier Medical. Frontier is contracted until 2009 to provide civilian health care professionals to work in operational military environments.

The medals were presented by Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Health), who gave unequivocal praise to all who have taken part. He expressed thanks on behalf of the Defence Medical Services, the British Government and most importantly, the many patients who have benefited directly from the contribution made by the civilian team, including British and coalition party forces and Iraqi and Afghanistan civilians.

Confirms Rear Admiral Jarvis "We are now achieving outcomes in health care in both Iraq and Afghanistan that are second to none. This is in no small part due to the dedication, commitment and professionalism of Frontier Medical and our civilian medical colleagues."

A former A&E sister at St George's Hospital London, Kate Clayton, was one of the first civilian nurses to arrive in Basra with Frontier Medical in 2004. She was awarded the Telic medal for her services in Iraq and relishes her experience on the front line. "I loved working with the army, "confirms Kate, who came back from the field to train as a doctor. "It was a great experience and witnessing just how well things can be done when everyone works together with a positive attitude is truly inspiring."

Geoffrey Bellhouse, an A&E nurse at the Royal London, was awarded two medals having worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He says, "At first I was just looking for something different. I sent in my application and six weeks later I was sitting on a plane with a hard hat and a Kevlar jacket - definitely a big change. It's been a real privilege to be able to work with the guys in the field. You know you're making a difference and you're respected for it. I'm looking forward to heading back out to Iraq in October."

Currently an A&E nurse at St Georges Hospital, London, Tanya Ferrai also received two medals and is returning to support medical services in Afghanistan in December. "There's no doubt you need to be a certain sort of person, and not mind going without a few creature comforts, but the rewards are amazing," admits Tania. "There's a fantastic camaraderie. I can't think of anywhere better to spend Christmas."

Several of the nurses who went to the front line on short term contracts with Frontier Medical have now subsequently joined the armed forces as a result of their experiences. Laura Williams swapped her job as medic on the set of Harry Potter for a trip to Iraq and, as a result, has taken a full time post with the Navy. After several trips to Iraq with Frontier Medical, Vanessa Miles came back to the UK to join the RAF. She says, "I saw what an amazing quality of care was being delivered in the field and I just wanted to be part of it."

Frontier Medical provides all field personnel with a comprehensive support structure, wherever they are located. Former Nurse, Judy Mason at Frontier Medical is in charge of managing the military nursing requirement and whilst she doesn't underestimate the challenges for civilian staff, she does believe the professional experience afforded personnel in field hospitals is second to none.

She says, "The chance to work in an operational theatre with the unique range of experience, both clinical and personal that goes with it, has proved an exceptional way for many of the nurses we've employed to enhance their professional development."

Adds Judy, "They are all truly exceptional personnel who have worked in some extremely challenging environments. It is fantastic to have this recognition for their outstanding commitment and professionalism."