Veteran aware information leaflet
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) is proud to be a Veteran Aware healthcare provider.
Please let a member of staff know if you, or your spouse/partner, currently serve or have ever served in the UK armed forces so that we can best support your care needs.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is a member of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, sharing and driving best practice in NHS care for the Armed Forces Community.
The Armed Forces Covenant states that serving personnel, reservists, spouses and dependents should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens when accessing health services.
You and your family should not be at a disadvantage in accessing appropriate health services; for example, members of the Armed Forces Community in England and Wales who are patients on NHS waiting lists have the time already accrued taken into account when posted to a different location.
Veterans (anyone who has Served in HM Forces for 1 day or more, including National Service) may also be entitled to priority access to NHS care for health conditions associated with their time in service, subject to clinical need.
What you can expect from us:
- We are committed to ensuring no disadvantage and to giving special consideration where appropriate.
- We have educated and trained all relevant staff to identify and respond to the specific needs of the Armed Forces Community.
- We support the UK Armed Forces Community as an employer.
Here at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust we will put you in touch, or refer you, to organisations and services best placed to help with information, advice and support.
Veterans’ Gateway
First point of contact for veterans and their families providing information, advice and support.
0808 802 1212 or text 81212 or visit www.veteransgateway.org.uk
SSAFA
Welfare, health and support services, for the UK military’s serving personnel, veterans, and their families. 0800 731 4880 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk
Royal British Legion
Welfare, health and support services, for the UK military’s serving personnel, veterans, and their families. 0808 802 8080 or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
NHS Veterans’ Trauma Network
Provides specialist care to veterans with physical injuries related to their time in service.
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/veterans-service-leavers-non-mobilised-reservists
NHS OP Courage – Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
OP Courage is for serving personnel approaching discharge, and for veterans. The service provides a range of treatment, from access to early support, to therapeutic treatment for complex mental health difficulties, and psychological trauma.
For services in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, call 0300 365 2000 or email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk
Working for the NHS
The NHS benefits significantly from the skills and experience of the Armed Forces Community, and Veteran Aware organisations support the employment of this community in the NHS.
Find out more about careers in the NHS at www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk
If you are already working in the NHS, BHT has the following available:
- Armed forces staff network
- Website – buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/our-organisation/armed-forces-covenant/
- Armed Forces Covenant Lead – armedforces@nhs.net Tel: 07824 416839
Additional Information:
Royal Navy – Royal Marine Benevolent Fund – www.rnbt.org.uk
British Army – Benevolent Fund – www.soldierscharity.org
Royal Air Force – Benevolent Fund – www.rafbf.org
Royal Air Force Association – www.rafa.org.uk
Held the first Sunday of each month from 10 – 1130am at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in the Rotunda Restaurant at the Main reception.
We are committed to continually learning from our patients and their families to improve care for all. If you have feedback or suggestions, please contact the Armed Forces Covenant Lead – Pam Daley – bht.armedforces@nhs.net Tel: 07824 416839