GPs are signing up to become ‘veteran friendly’ under a new national scheme to improve medical care and treatment for former members of the armed services that has been backed by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs. Practices can qualify for veteran friendly status by offering extra support for ex-military personnel who may face additional challenges when they return to civilian life.

To become accredited, GP practices need to:
– have a lead for veterans’ issues within the surgery;
– identify and flag veterans on their computer system;
– undertake dedicated training and attend armed forces healthcare meetings;
– increase understanding of the health needs of veterans amongst both clinical and administrative staff.

This is good news for veterans and a scheme I fully support.