The definition of veteran covers anyone who has served at least one day in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves) as well as Merchant Navy and fishermen who have served in vessels that were operated to facilitate military operations.
The key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant have been enshrined in law in the Armed Forces Act (2011). Under the covenant, all ex-service personnel are entitled to priority access to NHS hospital care for any condition related to their service, subject to the clinical need of others. Where this is the case, with the patient’s permission, it should be mentioned clearly in the referral to secondary care. Where secondary care clinicians agree that a patient’s condition is likely to be service-related, they will prioritise ex-service personnel over other patients with the same level of clinical need. Ex-service personnel will not be given priority over other patients with more urgent clinical needs.
Identifying an individual as someone who has served in the armed forces can therefore help with appropriate prioritisation of access to services and ensure that potential mental and social issues are explored.
Our practice Armed Forces Champion is Lyndsey.
Our Armed Forces Champion will offer advice and support and will be able to signpost our Military community to the services they may require.
Please let the practice know if you have served in the Armed Forces as a Regular Reservist or Adult Volunteer Cadet. We have a pack that you can collect from our reception.
The practice works with Sunderland CCG Armed Forces Leads and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland to ensure those who have served or currently serving in the Military have access to information across the city on services and support that is available.
Link to Veterans in Crisis Sunderland.
Please download our Armed Forces questionnaire. Once completed please hand it into our reception.