“I’ve heard the term ‘Veteran Friendly’ in regards to my GP Surgery, but I’m not sure what this means or if it will make any difference to me or
the support/care I may be entitled to?“
GP Surgeries in England can now opt to become ‘Veteran Friendly’, under the ‘Veteran Friendly GP Surgery Accreditation Scheme’, backed by NHS
England and the Royal College of General Practitioners.
The aim of which is for family doctors to better identify and treat Veterans of any age, ensuring they get access to dedicated care, where appropriate.
The long term aim is that every UK Veteran will receive the best possible NHS care from their GP, regardless of where they live. An accredited GP surgery will:
- Have a member of staff identified as a ‘Veterans lead’
- Identify and flag Veterans on their computer system
- Undertake dedicated training and attend Armed Forces healthcare meetings.
- Raise awareness of the health needs of Veterans amongst both clinical and administrative staff.
There are currently 40 GP surgeries in Suffolk that have joined the scheme, with others in the process of becoming accredited.
James Pagent Hospital and Ipswich Hospital both have Armed Forces Advocates and along with NSFT – Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, have also become Veteran Aware.
A Veteran is anyone who has completed at least one day’s service for the UK Armed Forces and includes those who completed their National Service.
Say You Served!
So if you are a Family Carer who is a Veteran or are caring for and supporting a Veteran, please make your GP surgery or the hospital providing care, know that you or the person you care for have served for the UK Armed Forces
