Gateshead improves identification of veterans by GP practices

August 7, 2026

Veterans were not always being identified by GP practices. 

What was the situation?

Gateshead Armed Forces Network identified that very few veterans were registered and coded within GP practices in Gateshead. This made it more difficult for healthcare providers to understand the size of their veteran population and identify veterans who may require support related to their Service.

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?

Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) worked with Gateshead Armed Forces Network to increase the identification of veterans within GP practices. From 2014-15, the CCG included veteran identification as one of its Quality Indicators that GP practices could choose to focus on. During 2016-17, veteran identification was also added to the CCG’s master templates installed on all practice clinical systems.

What was the outcome?

At the start of the project there were only 368 veterans registered, identified and coded in Gateshead; by February 2019 this had increased to over 7000. As a result, GP practices in Gateshead can now better identify veterans with long-term conditions which might be due to Service. This means veterans can be referred to appropriate veteran-specific NHS services.

The CCG has also been working to extend this good practice across Newcastle and across the North East Armed Forces Forum (covering 12 local authority areas).

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.