From conflict zones to clinical care - how military life prepared James for the NHS

From photographing military operations across the world to leading a specialist healthcare service at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), James Elmer’s career has taken him from one unique environment to another.

Now Chief Medical Photographer at WUTH, James has spent the last 14 years supporting patient care across the Trust following a 22-year career in the British Army.

Serving with the Royal Logistics Corps, including 11 years as an Army Photographer, James travelled extensively throughout his military career, working everywhere from Alaska in the north to the Falkland Islands in the south and across all five continents in between.

His work included documenting military exercises, humanitarian operations, ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour and active service during several conflicts.

Photography has been a lifelong passion for James, who first picked up a camera at the age of 13 before turning that interest into a career spanning both military and healthcare settings.

James, who talked about his career journey as part of Armed Forces Week, said: “I served 22 years in the Royal Logistics Corps, including 11 years as an Army Photographer.

“I was part of the Mobile News Teams and often deployed in teams of three made up of a videographer, writer and photographer, with my role focused on capturing still images.

“We documented military life through photography, recording the day-to-day experiences of personnel during operations and exercises. The images we produced created a historical record of events while also supporting communications, public engagement and recruitment.

“I also spent time in field hospitals capturing the work of Army medical teams, which indirectly led me to my role here.”

Leaving the Armed Forces and adjusting to civilian life brought a new set of challenges.

James said: “When I left the Army, it was a shock to the system. Even the small simple things in life like signing up to the doctors felt like a big change.

“After taking some time off with my family, the opportunity for a medical photographer role came up and I thought it would fit the skills I’d acquired.

“The NHS provided the structure I had been lacking, which made life outside of the Army feel more normal.”

Today, James leads WUTH’s Medical Photography department, providing specialist clinical imaging and medical illustration services that support diagnosis, disease monitoring and patient care across the Trust.

The team also delivers medical illustration services including printed materials, patient information and visual communications used throughout hospital services.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital has signed the Armed Forces Covenant as part of its commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.

The Trust was also recognised as a Veteran Aware Trust in 2023 by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VHCA) and has also received the Employers Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in recognition of its support for members of the Armed Forces community and creating a welcoming workplace.

Hayley Kendall, Executive Managing Director and Executive Partner of the Armed Forces Network at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “Armed Forces Week gives us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate colleagues across our organisation who have served or continue to serve and the unique skills and experiences they bring to healthcare.

“James’ story is a great example of how talents developed during military service can translate into meaningful careers in the NHS and continue to make a positive difference for patients and colleagues.

“At WUTH, we are proud of our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant pledge, our Veteran Aware accreditation and the work of our Armed Forces Network to create an inclusive and supportive environment for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.”