A local organisation that provides military medical staff to work alongside the NHS have been recognised for their commitment to healthcare this week (30 January) at a special Council meeting – awarding them Freedom of the City.
The Joint Hospital Group, are a leading organisation which provides military medical staff to work alongside NHS professionals. Formally of the Royal Naval Hospital Stonehouse, (previously called Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit Derriford) with around 170 personnel including consultants, nurses, operating department practitioners, radiographers and medics working in the trust. The hospital moved to Plymouth Science Park in 2021.
The group is one of five tri-service (army, navy and air force) military hospital groups situated around the UK which provides the staff the opportunity to rapidly deploy and provide the ‘highest quality of healthcare’ in the UK and abroad, when needed.
The Freedom of the City is an honour bestowed upon a valued member of the community.
Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “The Joint Hospital Group have looked after and will continue looking after the military community. They provide healthcare professionals to interact with people locally and nationally, and deliver the highest level of healthcare for those in need around the world when it is needed the most.
“They are a valued member of the Plymouth family, the citizens of Plymouth have expressed their admiration for their great achievements in the service of this country and of their long and historic association with the city, and this is why we have chosen to grant Freedom of the City to them today. I would like to thank them for all of the incredible work that they do.”
Speaking on behalf of the Unit, the Commanding Officer, Commander Jonathan Coates, Royal Navy said: “It is an absolute honour to be recognised for our long standing history of providing healthcare to the people of the city of Plymouth.
“It is a tremendous privilege to be recognised by the city of Plymouth and be bestowed with the Freedom of the City.”