Armed Forces

Mark our Practice Paramedic has undergone Veteran Training whilst at Thursby Surgery
Please click on the bullet points below for further information on:
Who is a veteran?
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Veterans include anyone who has served for at least one day in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve)
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By far the majority serve over 10 years

Armed Forces Covenant
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Understanding of the veteran community & potential health problems
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Awareness of and how to sign-post or refer to appropriate veteran-specific services
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Request priority treatment for health problems partially or wholly attributable to military service
Why are veterans treated as a special group?
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Service in the Armed Forces is different from other occupations
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Relinquish civil liberties and put themselves in harm's way to protect others
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Risk of serious injury is substantially increased
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52% of veterans have a long-term illness/disability which is higher than in the general adult population (35%)
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"Leaving the military introduces a rupture across all levels" - TRIAD study, King's College London, January 2021
Veterans Mental Health
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UK veterans who served at time of recent military operations were more likely than non-veterans to report higher prevalence of:
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Common mental health disorders 23 v's 16%
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PTSD 8%, rising to 17% of those deployed to combat roles in Iraq & Afghanistan v's 5%
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Alcohol misuse 10% v's 5%
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Delayed presentation - average of 4 years for veterans to come forward about mental health
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Veterans eligible for priority NHS treatment
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For conditions partially or wholly attributed to military service
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High proportion of MSK and hearing problems amongst veterans
Links:
Op COURAGE
The Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service - Please click here
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Veteran's Transition, Intervention & Liason Service (TILS)
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Veteran's Complex Treatment Service (CTS)
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High Intensity Service (HIS) - crisis in need of urgent care
Veteran's Trauma Network
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Serious injuries and long-term physical, mental or neurological health condition and disability
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VTN works with DMS, national centres of clinical expertise, NHS Veterans mental health, key charities
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Personalised care approach
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Referral by email from GP
Veteran's Gateway
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Veteran's Gateway - 24/7 phoneline - Please click here
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First point of contact for welfare needs including housing, finances, employment, physical and mental wellbeing
Hub Of Hope
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This is an excellent mental health website and app for all things mental health. The specific mental health support for veterans is below.
Services | Hub Of Hope
Soldiers, Sailors and Airman's Framily's Association - (SSAFA)
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SSAFA deal with veterans of all ages and no matter how long you have been discharged, including regulars and reserves.
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Welfare and benefits
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Mental health support
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Disability support
SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity
0800 260 6780 - Free phone number for support
Healthier Heroes
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This is a local Burnley based charity that provides excellent local support to local veterans.
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Healthier Heroes CIC, Elizabeth Street, Burnley, Bancroft House, Lancashire, England, IUnited Kingdom, BB11 2BQ
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24 hour support line: 01282 966730 & referral.healthierheroes@outlook.com
Healthier Heroes CIC
Lancashire County Council
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Offer support for veterans reintegrating the local community
Veterans and their families - Lancashire County Council
Combat Stress
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Excellent support for mental health and advice for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Mental Health Services For Veterans | Combat Stress
The support for veterans is vast and too much to place here. If there are any further needs or support in finding help please just contact the Surgery.
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