NHS leaders have confirmed that specialist health support for veterans will be made available in every part of the health service across the country.
The commitment will ensure that those who have served in the armed forces get the best care, whether they get help from a GP, a hospital or a specialist service.
The pledge comes as NHS England has confirmed that every part of the country now has a dedicated mental health service for veterans and as NHS Improvement announces the first 25 hospitals to become ‘Veteran Aware’.
Lucy Allan said:
“I am pleased that veterans across the country will receive much needed access to the very best possible care for both their physical and mental health needs.
“Although 25 hospitals are Veteran Aware, I would urge many more health trusts including the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust to take up this initiative and also become Veteran Aware.
“Veteran Aware Hospitals will help provide integrated care and a single source of advice to veterans on the support available to them and I would like to see this launch in Telford.
“I know from taking up cases of veterans in Telford just how much needed extra healthcare support is for veterans with both mental and physical healthcare needs.”