Welsh Government issues Health Circular to improve awareness of Armed Forces challenges

August 14, 2026

Healthcare practitioners may not always have an understanding of the Armed Forces community. 

What was the situation?

Members of the Armed Forces community can have specific healthcare needs due to Service. However, healthcare practitioners may not always be aware of the impacts of Service life, or the commitments made under the Armed Forces Covenant.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the nature of Service, members of the Armed Forces community can experience circumstances and health issues that are different to those of civilians. If healthcare professionals have limited awareness of these issues, they may be less likely to identify members of the Armed Forces community and give them the most appropriate support. This can make it more challenging for the Armed Forces community to access the support they need compared to civilians.

What was done to help?

The Welsh Government issued a Health Circular on the topic of the Covenant, to provide health boards and staff across Wales with information about the Armed Forces community and the Covenant. The guidance outlines key information on topics such as identifying veterans; priority treatment; mental health; the Veterans’ gateway; and limb loss and adaptations.

You can read the Health Circular here: Armed forces covenant: healthcare priority for veterans (WHC /2017/41) | GOV.WALES

What was the outcome?

Healthcare staff across Wales were able to increase their awareness of the Armed Forces community and the Armed Forces Covenant. Health providers were also better placed to identify members of the Armed Forces community.

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.