We are proud to be a Veteran Friendly Accredited practice, committed to recognising and supporting our patients who have served in the British Armed Forces. If you are a Military Veteran, please get in touch with us to let us know.
What is a veteran?
A veteran is anyone who has served at least one day in the Armed Forces, whether as a regular or reservist. This term is synonymous with ‘ex-service personnel’ or ‘ex-forces’. While some may not identify with the term ‘veteran’, younger veterans might prefer ‘ex-forces’, often associating ‘veteran’ with those who served in the World Wars.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
The NHS is committed to several health obligations outlined in the Armed Forces Covenant:
- The Armed Forces community should receive the same standard of healthcare as any other UK citizen in their area.
- Family members should maintain their position on NHS waiting lists, even if relocated due to service postings.
- Veterans should receive priority treatment for service-related conditions, based on clinical need.
- Those injured during service should receive care that acknowledges the nation’s moral obligation, provided by healthcare professionals familiar with Armed Forces culture.
This commitment is echoed in principle four of the NHS Constitution, ensuring that the Armed Forces, reservists, their families, and veterans are not disadvantaged in accessing health services. The Covenant is integral to our care approach, recognising the unique challenges faced by the Armed Forces community due to their mobility.
Below are some useful documents you may find helpful: