Honour veteran patients by encouraging your GP to become veteran-friendly
More than half of veterans (52%) have a long-term illness or disability, yet our research suggests that many may be reluctant to seek support for their issues, particularly if they feel they may not be understood.
There are an estimated two million veterans in the UK and some face different health challenges to the general population, so the more GPs who are able to support veteran patients, the better the outcomes that can be achieved.
If veterans are identified by the NHS and care services, they can access specialised services available only to them and any 'priority treatment' that they might be entitled to under the Armed Forces Covenant.
Local NHS organisations have committed to doing more to help veterans, with hospital Trusts agreeing to become 'Veteran Aware' and more GP practices planning to become 'Veteran Friendly'.
Veterans' rights to healthcare
Under the Armed Forces Covenant, if a veteran has an illness or medical condition that was caused by their time in service, or occurred whilst they were in the military, they may be entitled to shorter waiting times and priority treatment.
However, access to priority treatment, as well as other support* available to veterans, it is important that all veterans share their service history with their GP practice and other healthcare professionals.
*Additional support includes direct referrals to specialist physical and mental health services, as well as referrals for social prescribing for supportive military charities.
Local support available to veterans
If you're a veteran, there is support available for you. This support ranges from healthcare, housing, employment, welfare and more. We have listed some of the support available below:
- The Veterans' Gateway service provides a single point of contact for veterans, their families or the bereaved who are seeking advice or support.
- Op COURAGE is a NHS mental health specialist service to help veterans and their families. This service combines the Veterans' Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), the Veterans' Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and the Veterans' Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS).
- Veterans Breakfast Clubs in Hertfordshire are for veterans to meet up in a relaxed, safe and social environment.
- The Hertfordshire Heroes website has information on where you can find support for employment, housing and schools, as well as support for carers.
- The NHS website has details on healthcare and welfare support dedicated to veterans and their families and carers.
- Royal British Legion website provides expert advice and guidance for members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Branches of the Royal British Legion in Hertfordshire can be found here.
