On Remembrance Day, 11 November, Steve Hiles, a staff member at Northwick Park Hospital, shared how his experiences in the Armed Forces helped shape his career in the NHS. For Steve, the values of dedication and selflessness that he saw in the military are mirrored in his NHS role, which he now considers his “NHS family.”
Steve, who joined the British Armed Forces (Reserves) as a Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps at 18, trained as a Combat Medical Technician. He noted the similar structures in both the army and NHS, where each person has a clear role and accountability.
“I truly think anyone in the army could also work for the NHS; there are so many transferable skills,” Steve said. “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.”
With over 40 years of experience in clinical and non-clinical NHS roles, as well as a Biomedical Science degree, Steve now works in Maternity. Reflecting on his time in operating theatres, he said, “I felt at home instantly in Theatre. 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.”
In addition to his NHS role, Steve is a Sergeant Instructor in the Cadets, where he helps young people develop life skills. He finds it rewarding when cadets express how much the experience has shaped their lives, saying, “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.”
Reflecting on both his military and NHS experiences, Steve added, “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.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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