A speech by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Defence Medical Services Whittington

Ladies and Gentlemen,



As the proud Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Medical Service, it gives me enormous pleasure to be with you all today, at Defence Medical Services Whittington, for the dedication of this new, state of the art, medical training facility, which, I know, so many have worked so hard to bring to fruition over the last few years. 



I have seen for myself how tirelessly those in all three medical services strive to achieve the highest possible standards, and I am certain that with the training available here, our Forces will continue to receive the very best medical support.



This support has always been vital in conflict, but recent operations have demonstrated how well trained and diligent individuals can save and improve so many lives. As you can see by the medals worn by many of those here today, there is a great wealth of operational and service experience, which we now have an opportunity to celebrate with pride at this special event.



If I may say so, it is wonderful that so many from the local community are here to celebrate with them today. It shows the close ties between the medical services and the communities amongst which they live and work.  In this sense it is so heartening that the good people of Staffordshire have recognised the significant role that those who serve in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces play at home, and abroad. It is only with the strong support of the public that organisations like the Defence Medical Services are able to operate effectively, knowing that what they do is so valued by those whom they serve.

 

I would like to thank everyone who has gone to such lengths to make today so successful and I am proud and delighted to be here for the dedication ceremony of this unique training facility.