NHS England’s CEO Amanda Pritchard has signalled the health service’s commitment to supporting veterans’ healthcare with the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant yesterday.
The covenant is a public pledge that those who serve or have served are treated fairly in their day-to-day lives and not disadvantaged because of their military history. This also includes their families.
Broadly speaking, it is supported by:
- Central government
- Local government
- Charities
- Schools
- Business of all sizes
Current support
The NHS’s veteran mental health and wellbeing service – Op COURAGE – has seen more than 8,500 referrals since April 2023, after initial launch in early 2021.
Op RESTORE, which began as the Veterans Trauma Network in 2016, has seen more than 1,000 referrals since its inception. The service focuses on veterans’ physical health and wellbeing.
Op NOVA, meanwhile, helps veterans in the justice system – it has seen over 1,200 referrals accepted to its pre and post custody service.
The Armed Forces Covenant has also been signed by every NHS trust in England.
An NHS commitment
“I’ve seen first-hand when meeting former service personnel, and their families, that they have unique circumstances and needs, which are best supported by expertise, understanding and personalised care,” said Amanda Pritchard.
She added: “Thankfully I’ve also seen brilliant examples of the NHS working hand in glove with local charities and voluntary groups already serving this community to provide that support.
“Signing the covenant affirms the NHS’s commitment to the people who serve, veterans and their families that we will strive to ensure they get what they need from the health service, but also to be an active partner locally and nationally in tackling the wider challenges they face.”
NHSE’s national director for clinical improvement and elective recovery, Professor Tim Briggs, commented: “We recognise the enormous value serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to the NHS and to our country.
“We are committed to ensuring that our armed forces community, which includes both patients and NHS staff, can continue to access the right care when they need it, in line with the duties and principles set out in the covenant.”
Image credit: iStock
