HPFT Veteran Aware

There is evidence that service personal and their families can face significant disadvantages when accessing NHS services.  Here at HPFT, we recognise that to ensure they are treated equally, we may need to change how we offer services. We might, for example, need to take account of the time they have already waited for a treatment when posted in another area when we place someone on a local list. There is also a recognition that some individuals will require specialist support and services.  There are a range of specialist services available, and we should make ourselves aware of these so that we are best able to support and signpost people.  Across the nation, trusts have signed up to the armed forces covenant confirming their commitment to ensuring those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
To meet this promise, we all need to understand the challenges faced by armed forces personnel and their families. We need to understand how to ensure equity, and when and how to access specialist support. There are now dedicated on-line training courses that can help us all gain the knowledge we need. The training is accessible to all and will help us become “Veteran Aware”.