Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Tactical Medical Wing Personnel Support NHS During Coronavirus Pandemic

Members of the Team pictured whilst working on Ward 7 at the Nightingale North West Hospital.
Members of the team pictured whilst working on Ward 7 at the Nightingale North West Hospital.

Personnel from Tactical Medical Wing have returned to their home of RAF Brize Norton, after deploying to the Nightingale North West Hospital to support the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The team of 10 RAF Medics joined many other personnel from across the UK Armed Forces who have deployed in a variety of roles to support Operation RESCRIPT; the Defence contribution to assist the UK’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. It is the largest UK peacetime military operation, with thousands of military personnel held at high readiness to provide Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA).

Personnel pictured outside the Nightingale North West Hospital.
RAF personnel from RAF Brize Norton have been working alongside their medical colleagues from the Army and Royal Navy at the Nightingale North West Hospital.

Working alongside their medical colleagues from the Army and Royal Navy, the RAF Medics provided support to the NHS nursing team, performing basic nursing care and assisted with non-nursing duties. Their deployment, which began in January 2021, was to aid the NHS with the expansion of the Nightingale North West Hospital from one ward up to four wards.

“I am immensely proud of the continued efforts of the Tactical Medical Wing personnel who have deployed in support of the Nightingale Hospitals.  Their rapid deployment in support of the national effort, providing specialist medical personnel to support the national response to COVID-19, has been exemplary, as has their drive and professionalism.  They have deployed working as part of tri-Service teams and alongside their NHS colleagues to help ease the pressure on the NHS and undertake the mantra of all within the RAF Medical Services – To Save Life.”

Wing Commander Jo Bland
Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing

Members of the Team deployed on Operation Rescript to support the NHS at the Nightingale North West Hospital.
The deployment, which began in January 2021, was to aid the NHS with the expansion of the Nightingale North West Hospital from one ward up to four wards.

Tactical Medical Wing is the operational hub for all RAF Medical Services (RAFMS). Their role is to train, equip and deploy RAFMS personnel as Force Elements in support of operations and exercises and to provide quality worldwide Aeromedical Evacuation services for UK Defence.

“Working alongside our NHS colleagues has been both emotional and inspiring.  Being able to blend our core values together to enhance patient care is so rewarding.”

Sergeant Craig Taylor
Deployed RAF Medic