Government rolls out new training programme to help NHS staff across England give the Armed Forces community the personalised care they deserve
The nation’s Armed Forces community are set to receive better and more personalised healthcare support in recognition of their service to this country, thanks to a major new training programme for NHS staff.
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NHS workers will receive dedicated training to help them identify patients with an armed forces backgrounds and provide the right support. GPs, doctors, nurses, therapists and managers will work with regional trainers to embed this support across the NHS.
Armed Forces personnel, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families, can require specialised care for physical injuries sustained in service, as well as mental health support for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Many veterans and their families also struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not self-identify as veterans to NHS staff, putting them at risk of missing out on the bespoke services that are already available.
Ian, 63, from Leicestershire, was one of the first responders to the 1981 Chelsea Barracks bombing and later served as a combat medic in Iraq in 2003. Despite a 19-year career as an NHS paramedic after leaving the forces, Ian has struggled to access the care he needs. He believes that whilst many NHS services consider themselves ‘veteran friendly’, there remains little understanding of the pressures of combat deployment and its lifelong effects.
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Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said:
Defence Secretary John Healey, said:
Gregg Stevenson MBE, is a former soldier and Paralympics champion who now works with the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) as a regional trainer for the North West of England. He has witnessed the real-life impact of education and training for NHS staff caring for the Armed Forces community.
His story highlights how improved understanding of the unique needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families enables NHS staff to deliver more inclusive, informed, and compassionate care.
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You can hear more about his story here.
Gregg Stevenson MBE, 41 years old, from Colne said:
Kate Davies CBE, National Director for Armed Forces Health, NHS England, said:
The new programme – backed by £1.8 million over three years – is being rolled out across England on 10 November to ensure NHS staff across the country are trained to deliver personalised and targeted healthcare to Armed Forces personnel and their families.
It comes as every NHS trust in the country has been accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’ as part of a major drive to understand and recognise the unique health needs of Britain’s Armed Forces.
The achievement, led by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), means trusts identify patients with an armed forces background, train staff to understand their needs, and embed Armed Forces-friendly practices across their services.
The national training and education plan will support all NHS bodies to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
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This will ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their service in the armed forces and reduce inequalities and variation in veterans’ healthcare.
Sir Nick Pope, Chair, the Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo), said:
James Needham, CEO, Help for Heroes, said:
A spokesperson for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said:
However, the scheme announced today, which we welcome, will significantly enhance the understanding of the unique and often challenging circumstances faced by the whole Armed Forces community, and SSAFA looks forward to seeing its implementation and the benefits it will bring.”
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Louise Ansari, Chief Executive, Healthwatch England:
Caroline Waterfield Director of Development and Employment, NHS Employers, part of the NHS Confederation, said:
Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive, NHS Providers, said:
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