3 minute read
Navy life set me up for the NHS
Gina Ben Salem’s career has taken her from war zone to ward as a hospital phlebotomist. She’s living proof that skills learned in the armed forces are a perfect match for a career in the NHS.
As a child Gina was inspired by her grandfather, Theodore, a naval diver. “It was a challenge for girls who wanted to join the forces but my grandad, who was my hero, convinced me women can do anything a man can.”
Theodore was a talent in his own right. His record for underwater pipe laying still stands. Sadly, he also suffered torture as a prisoner of war and Gina’s early ambitions to follow him were halted by her dad who feared for his daughter’s safety.
She became an apprentice hairdresser and worked in clothes shops. But aged 30 with three young children, Gina saw an advert for naval reservists. She joined and trained as a phlebotomist.
In 2003, she and a friend were the first Wrens to be deployed to the front line between Kuwait and Iraq.
“I was elated yet fearful for my family, knowing I was in a war zone. I know they suffered, but I was so proud to be a forerunner for women. It wasn’t easy, you had to forget you were female, but I had the greatest respect for the guys I worked alongside.
The communication skills and resilience, so vital in a war zone, have since proved crucial in Gina’s NHS role.
“Panic is not an option in the forces and I learnt to stay cool in stressful situations. My patients have told me that my calmness puts them at ease. I’ve trained the rest of my team in emergency life saving skills.
“Naval life taught me how important it is to work for the greater good, to motivate your team and pass on your strengths. You learn a lot about self respect. I’m proud of what I can bring to the NHS – I know my grandfather would be too.”
Interview guaranteed
Mersey Care welcomes applications from former members of the armed forces and our workforce includes many who have previous experience serving in the army, navy or air force. Ex armed forces staff and reservists are guaranteed an interview at Mersey Care. Ann Hanlon, Assistant Director for Carer Engagement, says,
“We recognise the skills reservists and people who have served in the forces bring. We want to make it as easy as possible for them to find a role with us.”
The Ministry of Defence has awarded Mersey Care Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), given to organisations who employ and support people serving or who have served in the armed forces and their families. Join us. Visit: merseycare.nhs.uk and search current vacancies.
For information about how Mersey Care supports applications from former armed forces personnel, visit Job application support (armed forces) :: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
At Mersey Care we take our obligations to our ex-forces and their families very seriously. Our range of local, confidential services, from talking therapies to help with addictions are provided by experienced and highly trained staff, many of whom are trained in armed forces community awareness or are armed forces community members themselves. For more information about the support and services available visit Ex-Armed Forces support :: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
