Freedom of the City granted to Joint Hospital Group South West
Joint Hospital Group South West (JHG(SW)) that provides military medical staff to work alongside University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, have been awarded Freedom of the City for their commitment to healthcare this week.
The JHG (SW), have been based at Plymouth Science Park since 2021 and are a leading organisation which provides military medical staff to work alongside NHS professionals. the group have around 170 personnel including consultants, nurses, operating department practitioners, radiographers and medics working in the trust.
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 presented to a valued member of the community.
Chief Executive Ann James said: “As a valuable part of the Trust where they have been fully integrated within our facilities, I am delighted that the Joint Hospital Group South West have been recognised for their commitment to healthcare and have been granted Freedom of the City. Plymouth has a strong military tradition, UHP plays host to the group and it’s a privilege to be working alongside them.”
Councillor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “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.”
