A new scheme has been launched to enable GPs in Wales to register
to become ‘veteran-friendly’ practices and provide specialist care
for current and former military personnel.
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has created the new
programme to enable GP practices to register to become accredited
Veteran Friendly practices.
The programme enables GP practices to sign up voluntarily to
undertake specialist training on veterans’ health and wellbeing
and promoting fair treatment and respect for people who have
served with the armed forces, and their families.
GP surgeries joining the scheme will routinely ask new patients
if they or their family members have served, or are currently
serving, with the British armed forces.
Practices will need to stay up to date with the latest training
and guidance on veterans’ health, so they can support their
patients’ health most effectively.
Dr Chris Price, programme lead for HEIW and a practising GP in
Cwmbran, said:
Providing priority NHS care for a patient whose condition results
from, or is related to, their military service can make a real
difference to them and their families.
Whilst most military veterans will not have conditions related to
their service, I have personally seen the difference that
recognising the impact of service on health can make to an
individual. This recognition can build and cement trust between
the person and their GP. I would recommend that practices examine
this programme and strongly consider their participation.
, Deputy Minister for Mental
Health and Well-being, said:
The health issues that some of our military veterans experience
as part of their service is quite rightly prioritised within NHS
Wales. Unfortunately, many conditions do not become obvious until
after a veteran has left military service.
I’m therefore delighted to see the creation of the Veteran
Friendly GP practice scheme in Wales, which will make it easier
for our veterans to have their healthcare needs met when and
where they need it.
Sir Frank Atherton, Chief Medical Officer, said:
All armed forces veterans are entitled to receive priority access
to NHS care and treatment for any conditions, physical and
mental, related to their military service.
GPs have an important role in making initial referrals for
patients who require specialist assessment, investigation or
treatments. The recording of veteran status within GP
clinical systems is a critical first step in ensuring our
veterans receive the care they need.
Ahead of the Welsh Government’s Armed Forces Community conference
in Cardiff, which will bring together veterans’ groups,
charities, public sector and the three armed services, , Deputy Minister for Social
Partnership, said:
We are very proud of our Welsh veterans and the introduction of
‘veteran-friendly’ GP practices shows our ongoing commitment to
supporting our Armed Forces community.
Organisations across Wales have long been signed up to the Armed
Forces Covenant, which recognises the whole nation has a moral
obligation to members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their
families. I’m very pleased we’re able to continue building on
that to help ensure their healthcare needs are met most
effectively.
