Putting skills to the test | News

Meet programme manager Aidan Parsons who thrives on putting his skills to the test in challenging environments.

At our Trust, Aidan spends his time analysing and troubleshooting operational cancer performance across the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance.

However, Aidan is also supported by our Trust, which has been recognised through the Armed Forces Covenant as a Gold Employer, to serve as a Troop Commander with 256 (City of London) Medical Regiment, Royal Army Medical Services.

A role that has seen him just return from a six weeks’ deployment in the Middle East where he was providing medical planning support to British troops.

“For me, being a reservist is about developing the skills I use every day and putting them to the test in a different environment that is far less comfortable than what I am used to,” said Aidan.

“Doing your job when you may be hot, hungry, wet and haven’t slept, definitely builds a resilience that I bring back to my NHS role. When challenges arise it has taught me to step back, reassess and take a calm minute to think through a problem.”

Aidan, who is also studying for a PhD, signed up to the reserves while at university. He is supported by the organisation to serve a minimum of 27 days each year, as well as yearly training requirements.

Find out more about our commitment to supporting reservists and veterans.