Celebrating Armed Forces Week at Powys Teaching Health Board

As we mark Armed Forces Week (22–28 June), Powys Teaching Health Board is proud to recognise and celebrate the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families.

We value the skills, experience and dedication of the Armed Forces community and are pleased to share the story of one of our colleagues whose military background continues to make a positive impact within the NHS.

Raychelle Lewis joined the Army in 1999 at just 16 years old, which was the start of a long serving military career in the Royal Corps of Signals before transferring to the Adjutant General's Corps. Over 23 years of service, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer, she was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Oman and Germany, and undertook a variety of postings across the UK. Her roles included service with the Household Cavalry, Special Forces Support Group (1 Para), The Rifles, the Royal Engineers, 22 Field Hospital, and  as an Army Recruiter in Cardiff.

Following her military career, she joined Dyfed-Powys Police as a Police Officer in Newtown. It was during this time that she worked closely with NHS colleagues and witnessed first-hand the difference healthcare professionals make to people's lives.

What led you to consider a role in the NHS?

After leaving the Army, I joined Dyfed Powys Police in Newtown as a Police Officer. In that role, I worked closely with NHS staff and saw the positive impact they had following police involvement. Their values and way of working aligned with where I was in my life, and I felt my skills and experience would be a good fit for PTHB

Have any of your military skills and experience been particularly useful in your NHS role?

My military experience has been very useful in my NHS role, particularly when working under pressure. We are used to working fast and with short deadlines and the need for attention to detail in the armed forces is prevalent in my role within PTHB. It taught me to stay calm, assess a situation carefully, and find practical solutions quickly. It also helped me develop resilience, adaptability, and the habit of always thinking ahead and having contingency plans in place.

What has helped you feel supported at work since joining?

The team I work with has been amazing since I joined. Everyone has been welcoming, supportive and always willing to help whenever needed. PTHB feels very much like a team and a family, which is something that really resonates with me because it reflects the same sense of belonging and camaraderie, I experienced in the Armed Forces.

What does it mean to you to see your employer recognised for supporting the Armed Forces community?

I am extremely proud of my service and always happy to share my experiences with anyone who is interested. The Independent Members at PTHB are often fascinated to hear about the different experiences I have had and the knowledge I can bring. Seeing my employer recognised for supporting the Armed Forces community makes me feel proud to be part of an organisation that values that background and the contribution it can make.

What would you say to others leaving the Forces who may be considering a role in healthcare?

The skills, experience and values we gain through the Armed Forces are highly sought after and greatly appreciated in healthcare. Qualities such as teamwork, resilience, discipline, adaptability and the ability to work under pressure can bring real value to NHS roles

What does Armed Forces Week mean to you now that you are working in the NHS?

Armed Forces Week means a great deal to me, especially now that I am working in the NHS. It makes me proud to be part of an organisation that recognises and values those who have served, and those who continue to serve but in a different way, by supporting people when they need help most. There is a strong sense of purpose, commitment and care within the NHS, and that reflects many of the same values I experienced in the Armed Forces.

For me, it is important to see that service is respected and that the skills, experiences and dedication of the Armed Forces community are recognised as something meaningful and valuable. Being part of PTHB during Armed Forces Week gives me a real sense of pride, both in my own service and in working for an organisation that understands the importance of supporting others.

Powys Teaching Health Board would like to thank all serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families for their dedication, sacrifice and service. We remain committed to creating an inclusive workplace where members of the Armed Forces community feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

Released: 25/06/2026