Please click on the bullet points below for further information on:

• TOP TIPS FOR VETERANS 

• PATIENT CHARTER: OUT COMMITMENT TO YOU AS A VETERAN OF THE UK ARMED FORCES

Who is a veteran?

• Veterans include anyone who has served for at least one day in the Armed Forces  (Regular or Reserve)

• By far the majority serve over 10 years

Armed Forces Covenant 

• Understanding of the veteran community & potential health problems

• Awareness of and how to sign-post or refer to appropriate veteran-specific services

• Request priority treatment for health problems partially or wholly attributable to military service

Why are veterans treated as a special group?

• Service in the Armed Forces is different from other occupations

• Relinquish civil liberties and put themselves in harm's way to protect others

• Risk of serious injury is substantially increased

• 52% of veterans have a long-term illness/disability which is higher than in the general adult population (35%)

• "Leaving the military introduces a rupture across all levels" - TRIAD study, King's College London, January 2021

Veterans Mental Health

• UK veterans who served at time of recent military operations were more likely than non-veterans to report higher prevalence of:

  • Common mental health disorders 23 v's 16%

  • PTSD 8%, rising to 17% of those deployed to combat roles in Iraq & Afghanistan v's 5%

  • Alcohol misuse 10% v's 5%

  • Delayed presentation - average of 4 years for veterans to come forward about mental health

Op COURAGE

The Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service - Please click here

• Veteran's Transition, Intervention & Liason Service (TILS)

• Veteran's Complex Treatment Service (CTS)

• High Intensity Service (HIS) - crisis in need of urgent care

Veteran's Trauma Network

• Serious injuries and long-term physical, mental or neurological health condition and disability

• VTN works with DMS, national centres of clinical expertise, NHS Veterans mental health, key charities

• Personalised care approach

• Referral by email from GP

Veteran's Gateway

• Veteran's Gateway - 24/7 phoneline - Please click here

• First point of contact for welfare needs including housing, finances, employment, physical and mental wellbeing

Veterans eligible for priority NHS treatment

• For conditions partially or wholly attributed to military service

• High proportion of MSK and hearing problems amongst veterans