Armed Forces Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday in June. The event aims to provide a morale-boost and a chance to say thank you to currently serving personnel, service families, veterans, and cadets.

To mark the day, we have been chatting with some of our NHS 24 team who have been telling us more about how their military experiences have helped with their current role at NHS 24.  

Debbie McCarthy

Debbie began her military career in 1982 by enlisting to become a nurse in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps. She quickly rose through the ranks of junior non-commissioned officer (JNCO) and senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO). She successfully obtained a Short Service Commission (Late Entry) (SSC(LE)).

Debbie’s time in the army meant she enjoyed the challenge of nursing across all areas, in many unusual locations, with differing groups of patients – from helping those involved in the Falklands conflict, to the Veteran Far Eastern Prisoners of War (FEPOWs). It also gave her the opportunity to be involved in a variety of sports and experiences that she never would have pursued out with the military environment. A particular highlight was spending a month trekking across the Himalayas. 

By 2005, Debbie had decided to retire from life in the forces but chose to put her skills to good use by joining NHS 24’s team as a Nurse Advisor. From there, she was promoted to Senior Charge Nurse, eventually obtaining her current role of Clinical Service Manager at our Aberdeen contact centre.

“My time in the armed forces helped me to gain a wealth of experience in a varied and exciting career,” explained Debbie.

“When I decided to retire, I knew I wanted to put the skills I had learned to good use within NHS Scotland. Thankfully my military experience had taught me to be adaptable, resourceful, and resilient – which meant I quickly settled in and thrived being part of the NHS 24 team!

“It can be quite daunting thinking about making the change from being a member of the forces to civilian life. My advice is to reach out to people like me who have made the transition already and embrace the change. The skills that you have from your military career will stand you in good stead for new challenges, whatever they may be.”

Ewan O’Donnell

Ewan was 12 when he joined the Army Cadet Force (ACF) in Erskine before moving on to Garnock Valley. He has been part of the cadets for five years and still enjoys being an active part of the organisation.

Ewan recently started at NHS 24 in March 2024 as a Modern Apprentice within the Workforce Directorate, where he is also working towards a level 5/6 qualification in business administration. Here he chats about how his experiences as a cadet have helped give him the experience and knowledge to pursue his chosen career:

“I have been a cadet for just over 5 years now and I enjoy every minute of it. I have had many amazing opportunities through being a cadet, including a battlefield tour to Normandy where we visited the many beaches and battle sites. It has also given me the opportunity to complete SQA recognised qualifications that are unique to the ACF and can’t be completed anywhere else.

“It has been great to start working at NHS 24 as it is a very inclusive and diverse group of people. I’m always supported and feel like I am part of the wider team. Being part of the cadets has helped to give me various transferrable skills such as teaching, presentation, and communication skills, and has taught me the importance of discipline and attention to detail  that not only helped me get my NHS 24 role but continue to help me succeed towards achieving my chosen career.

“My ambition for the future is to be successful in completing my apprenticeship and then to return to the ACF as an adult instructor so I can give back to the organisation.”

Arlene Campbell is NHS 24’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion. This role includes acting as an advocate where required  for both serving Armed Forces personnel and Veterans, supporting NHS 24 to meet its commitments and duties in relation to the Armed Forces Covenant, and engaging across the organisation to seek improvement opportunities for Armed Forces Community members across our workforce as well as those who require our services.

Arlene said,

“Colleagues and teams across NHS 24 continue to show great commitment in terms of supporting the improvement and delivery of health services for armed forces personnel and veterans, as well as assistance for the employment of reserves and veterans. As NHS 24’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion I wish to take this opportunity to say Happy Armed Forces Day to all that are marking the event.”

Find out more about Armed Forces Day

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