The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is celebrating after being awarded the Veteran Aware accreditation by the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance (VCHA).
The accreditation recognises the Trust’s commitment to improving NHS care for veterans and members of the armed forces community.
Training to be aware of specific needs of veterans
As part of the accreditation, the Trust will signpost staff for training to ensure they are aware of the specific needs of veterans and will also provide information about charities and NHS services that may be beneficial to them, such as mental health services or support with financial and benefit claims.
The Trust will also ensure that the armed forces community is not disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Parker: It’s really good news for us and for the 14,000 veterans
Medical Director Steve Parker said,
“The Veteran Aware scheme is a fantastic initiative that will ensure the particular needs of the Armed Forces community are at the heart of their care.
“We are very excited and proud to have received Veteran Aware accreditation at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, it’s really good news for us and for the 14,000 veterans across our Island community.”
Criteria to be met
To achieve the accreditation, the Trust had to meet a number of criteria, including training and educating staff in veterans’ needs, establishing links to nearby veteran services, identifying veterans to ensure they receive appropriate care, and raising awareness of veterans.
Following the accreditation, the Trust will continue to work in partnership with other services in the area to which patients can be referred for further support.
Make yourselves known to staff
Hospital trusts that are accredited as Veteran Aware will display posters in their clinics and public waiting areas encouraging anyone who has served in the armed forces to make themselves known to staff.
