Healthcare case studies: Understanding Armed Forces needs

July 18, 2024

Westfield Surgery in Leominster, Herefordshire, is accredited as veteran-friendly. By going through the accreditation process, it has been able to support Armed Forces patients in a way it would not otherwise have done. It has a nominated clinical lead for veteran health. It has supported a number of patients through fast-tracking treatment for a military-related injury, and has been able to put lonely veterans in touch with appropriate social contacts. It has established links with local military charities and support agencies. It has successfully encouraged veterans to identify as such on the surgery’s systems, for example the telephone messaging asks patients that are veterans to make the surgery aware. Through ongoing training of its staff, it continues to improve its awareness of the specific needs of the Armed Forces Community, enabling correct support or care pathways to be followed.

Some health bodies use internal communication methods to promote Armed Forces Community issues and the Armed Forces Covenant among their staff. In Wales, this has been realised, in part, by the Welsh Health Circular – a detailed instruction to all health boards and staff in Wales which outlines key information on topics such as identification of veterans, the Covenant, mental health, the Veterans’ gateway, limb loss and adaptations.