A new drive has been launched to encourage practices to become “veteran friendly.”

So far about 150 practices in the Midlands – where the project has been rolled out – have gained Veteran Aware Accreditation. NHS England said it wants all practices in England to join the scheme within the next five years.

To gain accreditation, a practice must have a member of staff taking responsibility as lead for veterans’ issues. It must also identify and flag veterans on computer systems. Staff should undertake dedicated training and attend meetings on armed forces health care.

The practice should also work to increase understanding of the needs of veterans among all clinical and administrative staff.

Royal College of GPs chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: “I’m delighted to see so many GP practices already signing up to become veteran friendly, and making sure that those needs are properly flagged, considered, and accommodated as veterans readjust to and manage ongoing civilian life.

“A lot of the work to set up the scheme originated in the College’s Midland Faculty, of which I am a member, and I’m so proud of my GP colleagues for identifying such a good idea, turning it into a reality, and getting other practices involved on a national level.”

Kate Davies, Director of Armed Forces Health at NHS England, said:
“Local GPs have a vital role to play in improving healthcare for former armed forces members – from identifying and recording veterans, understanding their particular health needs, and knowing where they can turn for additional care and support.

“While the vast majority of veterans have similar levels of mental health to the general population, it provides a timely opportunity to highlight the dedicated NHS services available for those ex-forces with mental health difficulties.”