Queen Alexandra Hospital is silent to remember the fallen

Military personnel who work at the Cosham site, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (PHT) staff and the public were among those who joined the ceremony in the Atrium today.

Readings were given by Mark Cubbon, Chief Executive, Melloney Poole, Trust Chairman, Emma Redman, Commanding Officer, Defence Medical Group (South) and Debbie Shaw, Leading Medic Assistant, during the service, which was led by Reverend Dawn Banting.

The Last Post was played by Neil Silvester of HMS Nelson Royal Volunteer Band, before a two-minute silence was held to pay tribute to members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. 

The service was organised by Petty Officer James Dyson, QA Emergency Department Nurse. He said: '˜We work in the hospital and it's important to give something back and remember those who have fallen.

'˜It's a privilege to do it. This service isn't just for military personnel, it's for all of the services we work with in the medical world.'

Defence Medical Group (South) and PHT have a long established relationship, with doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force having worked at QA since 2005.

The trust has said it is proud of its role in providing care for serving military personnel and veterans. PHT recently pledged support to the Armed Forces by signing the armed Forces Covenant. The Trust is also seeking 'Veteran Aware' accreditation for QA.

Mervyn Bell, who has volunteered at QA for 12 years, was among those who attended the service. Mr Bell said: '˜The service was wonderful. It's important to recognise military personnel and it's important to do it here.'

On Friday a service will be held in the Hospital Chapel at 11am as part of the trust's activities to commemorate Armistice Day. Everyone is invited.

Staff have also been invited to share three words about what the armed forces mean to them today, which will be displayed in the hospital.