The work of military health heroes across Northern Ireland should be celebrated as part of Armed Forces Day, Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said today.

Armed Forces Day is 27 June 2009, and is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

The Minister said: “I have seen at first hand the immense contribution that individuals and teams across the health and social care services make to serving members of the UK armed forces at home and abroad.

“During a visit to Afghanistan last year I was privileged to see at first hand how local health care staff were making a real difference – not just to the armed forces – but to the people of Afghanistan. Working under very difficult conditions they show tremendous compassion and great skill in dealing with all those who had been injured.

“I fully support those members of staff in my own department, and across the health and social service, who give freely of their time to participate in the Armed Forces reserves. Not only do they make a valuable contribution to supporting the Armed Forces at home and abroad but the health service here reaps benefits from much of the learning and experience that they gain while carrying out this vital work.

“It is right and fitting that the work of our military health heroes is celebrated. I expect to see many local health and social care staff being nominated for the annual Military and Civilian Health Partnership awards which this year takes place in Edinburgh in October. This is another opportunity to acknowledge and value the clinical excellence provided by these unsung heroes across the health and social care service in Northern Ireland.”