Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Practice Scheme
In Kent & Medway it is estimated between 4-6% of our population are veterans. A veteran is anyone who has served at least one day in HM Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have served duty on military operations.
Become a Veteran Friendly GP practice
Accredited and endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the scheme’s purpose is to make sure people who are currently, or have ever served in the armed forces, and their families, are not disadvantaged when it comes to getting the healthcare and support they need. This commitment to the Armed Forces Community is General Practices implementing the UK national Armed Forces Covenant.
Armed Forces covenant
The Armed Forces Act 2021, legislates that NHS pay due regard to Armed forces covenant and NHS constitution 2015. This is to ensure armed forces personnel enjoy the same access to NHS care as any other citizen and includes veterans receiving priority treatment to a condition related to their service. In addition, family members should maintain their place on waiting lists when moving around the country due to postings. To facilitate this GPs can tag referrals with a paragraph explaining the patient is a veterans/ reservist / family of veterans.
In Kent & Medway it is hoped that one practice within each PCN will become accredited as a Veteran Friendly practice. Dr Jeremy Carter, GP, is Clinical Lead Kent & Sussex Armed Forces Network, and has offered to support any Kent & Medway practice wishing to become a Veteran Friendly Practice. For further information please see link below or email the LMC office.
Links/Useful information:
Useful SNOMED CT codes to identify military veterans and members of military family. ‘Military Veteran’ & ‘Member of military family’
Apply for the RCGPS Veteran Friendly GP practice accreditation.
Kent & Medway Armed Forces Network – help with housing / employment / carers/ housing and more
Op courage overarching name for veterans’ mental health services – service finder
Service Champion Training – free training good for Social Prescribers