The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance

From the 1600BC Smith Papyrus, the oldest known surgical treatise on trauma, to the magical, ritualistic and pragmatic Babylonian-Assyrians, and right up to the infamous hospital at Camp Bastion, military medicine has evolved far and wide. Join us in a fascinating journey told by leaders in their fields on all sides of the military-medical equation: from the front lines of battle, to long term care, and the lived experience of ground-breaking treatments. An enthralling insight into the then and now by those living and making the medical history of tomorrow.

A unique perspective, from those making and living the medical history of tomorrow

From the pioneering work of Sir Robert Jones and John McIndoe in World War 1 to the present day, Professor Tim Briggs CBE, the National Clinical Director of NHS Improvements and national lead for the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) takes you on the incredible military medical journey, up until World War 2.

We then hear from Colonel Nigel Tai a military surgeon. He takes us from the “point of wound” on the battlefield of Helmand Province to the hospital at Camp Bastion, where the military patient (and indeed a patient) is stabilised and then flown on a RAF C17 globe master aircraft, with an expert medical team, and onto Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further healthcare.

Miss Alex Crick, a Plastic Surgeon, provides an insight into reconstructive surgery within the context of combat injuries and finally Gary Sell provides an insight into his patient journey as a veteran, from Cold Injury through mental health issues. A fascinating insight in to the history of military medicine, delivered by those on the medical front line.

A fascinating insight in to the history of military medicine, delivered by those on the medical front line.

This event took place at the Old Operating Theatre, London Bride, on Thursday 3 March. Watch this space for excerpts of the talks and feedback from event attendees soon.