Reserves Day: Meet HCA and Reservist, Michelle Rowlands
The reserve forces play a crucial role in national security from countering security threats, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts abroad to supporting communities at home.
As an employer, UHDB recognises the importance the healthcare industry plays in supporting the nation’s defence and security and are fully committed to supporting the UK’s Armed Forces community, Reservists and Cadets.
We spoke to Michelle Rowlands, a Trade Logistician Recruitment Assistant for HMS Sherwood – she helps to recruit other reservists to the Navy, she has been doing this role for two years.
Whilst carrying out her reservist role, Michelle has also been working on the bank as a Healthcare Assistant at Royal Derby Hospital – she splits her working time between the Navy and the NHS.
Through her role in the Navy, Michelle has managed to gain a number of skills which have been transferable across both of her roles in the navy and healthcare. Whilst at her Passing Out Parade, a young girl slipped and hurt herself. As Michelle also had her NHS healthcare skills, she took full responsibility of the situation and cared for the patient.
Michelle said: “The knowledge that I have from my role at the hospital gave me the confidence to handle the situation.
“Service in the reserve forces is not all about learning new clinical skills it also includes great opportunities to develop skills in teamwork, adventurous training and helping others. I have been fortunate to have gained a specialist driving skill, which is transferable to my civilian driving license. I have attended major events such as the D-Day 75 celebrations in Portsmouth. It was such a surreal experience; I was able to listen to the stories of V-Day Veterans as well as rubbing shoulders with World Leaders including the Queen and US President Donald Trump. It made me feel very proud.”
Although we don't directly recruit reserves ourselves we do encourage staff to sign up.