• Major General Tim Hodgetts CB CBE is the armed forces surgeon general
• He was instrumental in the introduction of a range of healthcare measures now used in the NHS
• During his visit he ran a practical session for T Level health students.

The most senior uniformed medical officer in the British Army has visited Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) to share his expertise with students.

Major General Tim Hodgetts CB CBE is the armed forces surgeon general, the first army emergency medicine doctor to reach the rank of major general and was instrumental in the introduction of a range of health care measures now used in the NHS.

He has helped introduce a number of major transformations in prehospital care, serious injury and disaster response, many of which have crossed over into civilian medicine.

Major General Hodgetts made the visit following a tour of Aston Medical School in February during which he learned that AUEA had an RAF combined cadet force, and offered a Technical Level health course in nursing and midwifery to students aged 16 plus. The combined cadet forces (CCF) are based in schools and provide young people with the opportunity to learn a range of practical skills and leadership skills.

During his visit on 1 May, Major General Hodgetts gave a keynote presentation to AUEA and Aston Manor Academy students who are considering a medical career. He also ran a practical session called “stop the bleed” before meeting some of AUEA’s cadets and staff, including head of school and AUEA CCF contingent commander, Squadron Leader David Chapman.

Major General Hodgetts said: “It was fascinating to see the work undertaken by younger students at Aston University Engineering Academy.

“My previous visit to AstonMedical School piqued my interest in what Aston University is offering future health professionals. After seeing and hearing the experience of T Level students, I felt inspired by the enthusiasm the teenagers have for a career in healthcare.”

The Major General began his career as a general physician in the British military hospital in Hanover, Germany. He trained in emergency medicine after being involved in an IRA bombing in Northern Ireland, and his concern about the lack of organisational management led to developing an international programme in disaster medicine.

As well as in Northern Ireland, he served on active military duty in Kosovo, Oman, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq. From 2011 to 2013 he was the medical director for NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and from 2014 to 2017 he was the medical director for the Defence Medical Services. He is currently also a deputy lieutenant for the West Midlands.

One of the students who took part in the visit was Jainab Jannat Iqbal, who said: “My classmates and I had the wonderful experience of meeting Major General Timothy Hodgetts. We were very lucky to give him a tour of our simulation hospital and present what our T-Level health course is all about, as well as our time in Sierra Leone.

“In the afternoon, we all did a Stop the Bleed workshop where he taught us three ways to stop life threatening bleeds, including learning how to tie a tourniquet. The workshop was very useful, and I personally learnt a lot.”

Head of school, David Chapman, added: “It was an honour to host Major General Hodgetts at Aston University Engineering Academy. What he has achieved during his career and the messages he gave to the students and cadets on being successful in life was fantastic. What a great opportunity for our cadets and students to meet such an inspirational person.

“The enthusiasm of our students shone through, and I believe they really benefitted from his inspirational and informative sessions.”