Are you a veteran?
If you are a veteran, please inform us during your appointments.
We want to make sure that you are receiving the right support that is available for ex-forces and military veterans. The NHS has a duty to deliver on a number of health commitments in relation to the armed forces community and their families.
Our duty to the Armed Forces community
The NHS has a duty to deliver on a number of health commitments in relation to the Armed Forces community (service personnel (regular and reserves), their families and veterans), which are set out in the Armed Forces Covenant and the NHS Constitution.
The Armed Forces Covenant
‘The armed forces covenant is a promise set out by the nation to those who serve or have served and their families, which says we do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.’
- The Armed Forces community should enjoy the same standard of, and access to healthcare as that received by any other UK citizen in the area they live.
- Family members should retain their place on any NHS waiting list, if moved around the UK due to the service person being posted.
- Veterans should receive priority treatment for a condition which relates to their service, subject to clinical need.
- Those injured in service should be cared for in a way that reflects the nation’s moral obligation to them, by healthcare professionals who understand the Armed Forces culture.
Visit the Armed Forces Covenant for more information. https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.
This is recognised in the NHS Constitution which states ‘the NHS will ensure that in line with the Armed Forces Covenant, those in the Armed Forces, reservists, their families and veterans are not disadvantaged in accessing health services in the area they reside’.
Resources and Services
Dedicated mental health services – Op Courage
Veterans Gateway
Veterans’ Gateway is a dedicated support service for former members of the armed forces and their families. Available 24 hours a day, it offers access to a comprehensive directory of partner organisations—both military and civilian—ensuring timely assistance across a wide range of needs. These include physical and mental health, employment, housing, and more.
To learn more or access support, please visit their website: www.veteransgateway.org.uk.
Veterans Trauma Network: Specialist Care for Those Injured in Service
In response to feedback from veterans, their families, and general practitioners, NHS England—working in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and leading military charities—has established the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN). This dedicated service provides comprehensive care and treatment for individuals who have sustained physical or psychological injuries during their time in the Armed Forces.
The VTN operates across ten major trauma centres in England, located in Plymouth, Oxford, London (three centres), Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and Middlesbrough. It integrates with the Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), Complex Treatment Service (CTS), and key military charities to deliver a coordinated and holistic package of care.
Referrals to the network can be made by GPs via a single point of contact: england.veteranstraumanetwork@nhs.net. Referred veterans will receive expert care from both military and civilian specialists, tailored to their individual needs.
Each patient will be supported with a personalised treatment plan, which may include access to rehabilitation, mental health services, and other relevant support pathways. Families and carers will also be signposted to services that may benefit their wellbeing and ongoing support needs.
Prosthetics Service
The Veterans’ Prosthetics Programme was established to implement the key recommendations of A Better Deal for Military Amputees, a report authored by Dr Andrew Murrison MP. The programme aims to ensure that veterans who have undergone amputation continue to receive high-quality prosthetic and rehabilitation care, comparable to the standards provided during their military service.
In line with Dr Murrison’s recommendations, nine NHS Disablement Service Centres (DSCs) were selected to deliver specialist support. However, veterans retain the freedom to access prosthetic services at any NHS DSC of their choice.
To further enhance access and equity, the Veterans’ Prosthetics Panel (VPP) was introduced in 2012. The panel provides funding to support the provision of advanced prosthetic components and services, regardless of the DSC a veteran attends. Applications to the VPP are submitted by the veteran’s prosthetist.
For more information, please visit the Veterans’ Prosthetics Programme page – https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/armed-forces/veterans-prosthetics/
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes offer a range of support such as physical healthcare support, mental health counselling, sport and social activities, welfare support and recovery college. Please visit the website for more information https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Armed Forces Healthcare Navigator Service Delivered by the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) provides specialist emotional and practical support to members of the Armed Forces community as they navigate healthcare pathways—whether receiving treatment in hospital, accessing community-based care, or recovering at home.
DMWS works collaboratively with individuals, their families, carers, and health and social care professionals to assess and address welfare concerns that may hinder recovery or wellbeing. Where needs fall outside the scope of DMWS, supported referrals are made to appropriate external organisations.
This professional and expert-led service has demonstrated measurable impact, including:
- Reduced delays in hospital discharge
- Decreased frequent attendance at A&E
- Improved access to independent living
- Reduced social isolation
- Enhanced overall wellbeing
- A coordinated, person-centred approach to care and support
Veterans can be referred to DMWS by a healthcare professional or may contact the service directly. For more information, visit https://dmws.org.uk/
Blesma
Blesma is the limbless veterans charity dedicated to assisting service and ex-service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb and eye or sight. Please visit their website for more information https://www.blesma.org/