Veterans Declaration
Charlie Macer – Care Co-ordinator
Dr Nick Woodward – GP Lead
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
As per the Armed Forces Covenant, all veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS hospital care for conditions associated to their time within the armed forces (service related). However, this is always subject to clinical need and does not entitle the patient to jump the queue ahead of someone with a higher clinical need.
- 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.