Leaders at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Oswestry have shown their support for the armed forces once again.

Their renewed commitment to staff and patients serving in military roles was shown through the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant signifies the hospital's pledge to continue supporting people serving or those who have served in the Armed Forces.

It outlines how the Trust will show its commitment, promoting its status as armed-forces-friendly and aiming to support the employment of veterans, regardless of their age.

The initial signing of the Covenant took place back in 2017, earning RJAH a prized Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence a year later, in 2018.

Since its initial allegiance to the Covenant, RJAH has made significant strides; opening the UK's first exclusive Veterans' Orthopaedic Centre, among other accomplishments.

To underline their commitment, the hospital has recently updated its pledges and re-signing the Covenant.

The updated pledges include a commitment to be an exemplar of the best care for veterans and their families.

The Trust also promises to implement a transparent and supportive transition procedure for veterans and other Armed Forces personnel to work for the organisation.

The signing ceremony was led by RJAH's chief executive, Stacey Keegan, and Lt Col Carl Meyer, the clinical lead of the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre.

Ms Keegan said: "Over the last few years, we have built strong relationships with colleagues in the Armed Forces and seen the benefits that we can achieve by working together.

"Our new pledges will reinvigorate our work and ensure that we build on the positive steps we have already taken.

"I was delighted to get the opportunity to re-sign the Covenant alongside Lt Col Meyer, who has done such fantastic work and been an incredible champion for the Armed Forces and veteran community."

Phil Sinclair from Defence Relationship Management, attended the event and said: "RJAH signed the Covenant back in 2017 and have held the Gold Award for almost six years now.

"That makes them advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, spreading the word to other organisations.

"The Trust has been a strong partner and I am delighted that they have renewed their pledges and re-signed the Covenant once again."