HMS President helps fight on the frontline
Royal Navy reservists from HMS President are on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus
Commander Adham Khalek
In his civilian career, Adham is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
When on duty he is responsible for overseeing the initial assessment, treatment, resuscitation (if necessary) and admission/discharge of all Emergency patients — along with a team of doctors, nurses, porters and other health professionals.
His job now is no different from his job normally but now with much higher levels of safety put in place — working in various levels of PPE to manage the added risks.
“It may sound cheesy but the Royal Navy core values (commitment, courage, loyalty, respect, integrity and discipline) are exactly what is required from everyone and has been on display.”
Everyone at work in his department has pulled together recently (even more so than usual) and overcome a continuous chain of challenges in a way that is strikingly similar to the can-do attitude he has seen and experienced on operations.
But he couldn’t stop there, he has also volunteered for the COVID vaccine trial — which he has been screened for and is awaiting a response!
Father Tom Pyke
Tom Pyke, is a Parish Vicar in the Isle of Dogs and HMS President’s Chaplain. Like all Chaplains in the Royal Navy, he is affectionately known as ‘Bish’.
Tom is doing his bit to help his community, working hard to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to anyone who needs it.
He has been helping those shielding or self-isolating by managing a food distribution hub and organising local volunteers.
“If being in the Maritime Reserves has taught me anything it is that every experience is useful. At 14 I was the Saturday stockroom boy for our local Spar. I never expected to use the skills I learnt there again, but COVID-19 is proving how resourceful and imaginative we all need to be serving the community.”
Lieutenant Commander Dominic Roberts
Dominic from the Royal Naval Reserve’s medical branch is a GP visiting patients in his community whilst his surgery is closed.
“It is humbling to see the military supporting the NHS to save lives and mitigate the impact of COVID. We can now see quite how much the NHS and the military have in common.”
He has a commitment to patient care and the determination to save lives. Despite the enormous difficulty, he is struck by the inspiration and strong leadership of his NHS colleagues.
Like most people working during these times, ways of working have changed. For Dominic digital meetings are the new norm, with patients becoming more accustomed to remote consulting.
“As a Royal Naval reservist, I am proud to serve in both of these organisations. I wish everyone, including those at the coalface in the NHS and the military, the best of health and safety during this challenging time.”
These are just a few of the many men and women working tirelessly in the fight against coronavirus.
