Both the military and healthcare demand a profound sense of duty and selflessness with workers often needing to make quick decisions in high-stress environments with sometimes life-changing actions. With these similarities, it is not surprising that around 1,200 Veterans shifted to NHS careers in the last 5 years.

Research indicates that veterans who have transitioned to healthcare roles face various additional psychological stressors, including:

• Cumulative stress - Repeated exposure to high-stress events in military service may be compounded by the emotional and physical challenges of healthcare work, increasing the likelihood of burnout.

• Compassion fatigue - The nature of healthcare requires sustained emotional engagement.

• Retraumatisation - medical emergencies, severe injuries or suffering may trigger memories of combat.

• Identity Conflicts - Transitioning from the structured military environment to the fluid civilian healthcare sector can lead to stress and feelings of isolation.

• Moral Injury - A strong sense of duty from military training may heighten feelings of powerlessness when veterans cannot meet their moral standards in healthcare settings.

• Stigma - Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma remains prevalent among both veterans and healthcare professionals, making them reluctant to seek the support they need. This is believed to contribute to poor outcomes, such as the potential for increased suicide prevalence.

To date, female veterans needs and experiences have been underrepresented in research and support services, leading to a lack of targeted resources. Furthermore, 22.5% of female veterans in the UK reported experiencing sexual harassment during their military service, and 5.1% reported sexual assault. This is thought to be one of the reasons why female veterans are twice as likely to experience PTSD as well as experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety when compared to their male counterparts. In addition women veterans often encounter the complex challenge of reintegrating into civilian life while shouldering additional responsibilities, such as caregiving or parenting.

Sisters in Service was born from a need to support female veterans, particularly those who have chosen to work in healthcare, to provide a safe and supportive environment, enable effective networking, and promote help-seeking behaviours.

Sisters in Service is a dedicated space for mutual support and connection.