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What is a veteran?
A veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day in the Armed Forces, whether as a regular or reservist. It means the same as ‘ex service personnel’ or ‘ex-forces’, although not all veterans know the term or choose to associate with the term ‘veteran’. Younger veterans might refer to themselves as ‘ex-forces’, in the belief that a veteran is someone who fought in the First/Second World War.
The Wellbridge practice for many years has been treating military families and veterans and also employing them so we are very proud to be accredited with this status and will strive to ensure we do it justice. Dr Richard Mugford is the named clinical lead at the practice but you can see any GP.
It is important that you let us know if you a veteran so we can add this to your medical record. By informing us of this we can ensure your medical treatment is in line with the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures veterans receive priority treatment in some areas. Please read this patient charter for more information Patient Charter.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have put together a useful Top Tips document that you can find here RCGP Top Tips.
What help is available to veterans?
Op Courage:
Op Courage is the new over-arching name for the three NHS veterans’ mental health services (Veteran’s Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Services (TILS), Veteran’s Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and Veteran’s Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS). The new name has been developed by veterans and their families and is intended to make the services easier to find and access.
You can find more information on services available here www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/veterans-service-leavers-non-mobilised-reservists/
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
The Armed Forces Covenant - The Armed Forces community should enjoy the same standard of, and access to healthcare as that received by any other UK citizen in the area they live.
- Family members should retain their place on any NHS waiting list, if moved around the UK due to the service person being posted.
- Veterans should receive priority treatment for a condition which relates to their service, subject to clinical need.
- Those injured in service should be cared for in a way that reflects the nation's moral obligation to them, by healthcare professionals who understand the Armed Forces culture.
Visit the Armed Forces Covenant for more information |
Other Helpful websites:
Veterans' Gateway (veteransgateway.org.uk)
combatstress.org.uk
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
www.britishlegion.org.uk
www.ssafa.org.uk
Togetherall.com