Academic study improves identification of veterans in Lancashire healthcare services

August 6, 2026

Veterans were not always being identified within primary care services. 

What was the situation?

In 2018, data showed that patients’ veteran status was recorded in only 7.9% of cases within primary care services. This meant that many veterans were not being formally identified by healthcare services. It was difficult for practices to understand the size of their veteran population and to make sure that veterans’ needs were considered.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Veterans can experience different health conditions and circumstances than civilians due to Service. If healthcare providers are unaware that a patient is a veteran, they may be less likely to recognise these needs or signpost individuals to specialist support. This can make it more challenging for veterans to access appropriate support compared to civilians.

What was done to help?

Former Army Colonel Professor Alan Finnegan led a study to identify ways of encouraging veterans to register with a GP and inform primary care staff of their veteran status. The study also aimed to improve primary care staff’s awareness of veterans’ health needs. As part of the project, a six-week advertising campaign was delivered to encourage veterans to identify themselves to healthcare providers.

What was the outcome?

The campaign increased the number of patients recorded as veterans within primary care records. In Lancashire, the number of patients with a veteran code increased by 200%, rising from 180 to 537 during the intervention period. Healthcare providers were better able to identify veterans, and veterans were more likely to receive the care they needed.

You can read more about the study here: Finding the Forgotten: Motivating Military Veterans to Register with a Primary Healthcare Practice | Military Medicine | Oxford Academic

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Healthcare
• How NHS bodies can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.