The nation’s armed forces community is set to receive better and more personalised healthcare thanks to a major new NHS training programme for staff across England.
Backed by £1.8 million over three years, the initiative will train GPs, doctors, nurses, therapists and managers to identify patients with an armed forces background and provide tailored support. Regional trainers will work with NHS teams to embed this approach nationwide.
Armed forces personnel – including veterans, reservists, serving members and their families – often require specialised care for physical injuries sustained during service and mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. Many struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not disclose their veteran status, risking missed access to bespoke services.
The programme builds on the success of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, which has now accredited every NHS trust in England as ‘Veteran Aware’. This accreditation ensures trusts:
- Identify patients with an armed forces background.
- Train staff to understand their unique needs.
- Embed armed forces-friendly practices across services.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“As we mark Remembrance Sunday, we’re honouring our armed forces not just with words, but with action. We owe serving personnel and veterans nothing less than the best.
“Too many of our armed forces, both serving and veterans, face a system that doesn’t fully understand their needs - that changes today.
“This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our armed forces community the personalised care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change the NHS will deliver for those who have delivered for our nation.”
Gregg Stevenson, an armed forces veteran, also commented:
“After being injured in Afghanistan, I never imagined I’d one day be working in the NHS - yet here I am, 15 years on, helping to train and educate staff to better understand and meet the health needs of the armed forces community.
“The NHS was there for me when I sustained life-changing injuries, and the care I received inspired me to give back. This new training programme is vital and I’m urging NHS colleagues to take part so that no member of our armed forces community is left behind.”
This national training and education plan supports the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring those who serve or have served – and their families – are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their service. It will also help reduce inequalities and improve access to specialist care across the NHS.
Image credit: iStock
