Ex-Navy Medic Re-Joins Service To Help Fight Coronavirus

A former Royal Navy medic has re-joined the service to help the UK’s fight against coronavirus.

Jordan Holland, from the New Forest, spent eight years in the Navy as a medical assistant but left last year to chase her dream of becoming a full-time artist.

While Ms Holland was in the process of becoming a reserve, she has now decided to "temporarily" return to the Navy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It’s an unprecedented time for the world, but it’s great to feel like you can do something,” she said.

The 29-year-old returned to HMS Nelson in Portsmouth this week.

She has since been assigned to the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Joint Hospital Group - the military's medical personnel who work in NHS hospitals trusts around the country.

“It’s fantastic watching all services come together – the NHS, police forces, delivery personnel and shop workers – holding this all together,” Ms Holland said.

“It feels good to be a part of it and as I was already a qualified Navy medic, that seemed the natural area for me to help in.”

After joining the Navy in 2011, Ms Jordan worked alongside doctors to provide life-saving trauma care to troops and Royal Marines injured on the frontline as a field medic.

She also took part in anti-piracy operations around the Horn of Africa with frigate HMS Somerset. 

Cover image: Jordan Holland during training (Picture: Royal Navy).