Pound Hill Medical Group is a Veteran Friendly GP practice.
What is a veteran?
A veteran is anyone who has served in the Armed Forces (regular or reservist) for at least one full day. There are around 2.4 million veterans in Great Britain.
Our duty to the Armed Forces community
The NHS has a duty to serving personnel, veterans and their families, as set out in the Armed Forces Covenant:
- 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.
At Poundhill Medical Group
Our clinical lead for veterans is Dr Grace Barden. She makes sure to keep up-to-date with all the latest training and support available for veterans, and is on hand for the rest of the practice staff. You can expect the following from our practice:
- We will ask all patients if they have served in the UK Armed Forces (as a regular or reservist). If you have, we will note this in your medical record, with your permission.
- We will ask you to share details of your time in service to help us to assess the best support and treatment for you.
- The information you share will be kept confidential and we will always speak to you before sharing this with other services you may be referred to.
- You can make an appointment to see our clinical lead for veteran’s health. This person has a comprehensive understanding of the Armed Forces, health conditions linked to service, and the dedicated support you can access.
- The NHS has a duty to support the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant. This means that you will get priority treatment for any medical condition which has been caused by your service, subject to the clinical needs of other patients.
- We will let you know what choices are available for your care and treatment and help you to make informed decisions on what to do.
- Where appropriate and with your consent, we can refer you to dedicated veterans health services.
- If you need to be seen by another service, we will let them know you’re a veteran and make sure they have an understanding of your health and wellbeing needs, so you don’t have to keep repeating your ‘personal story’.
- We can give advice and support to your loved ones who may be affected by your health conditions.
- We will investigate any issues and complaints that you may have about your care. If you have any concerns about the services we offer, please speak to one of the practice team.
What can you do?
Make sure we know you're a veteran. If you've served for one full day in the Armed Forces, then please let us know and we'll make sure it's flagged in your records.
What support can you access?
The best place to start is the Veterans' Gateway. Their website brings together support in many areas: housing, employment, finances, independent living, physical and mental health, and support for families and communities.
Op Courage is the NHS service that provides specialist mental health care for Armed Forces veterans. Op Courage responds to your individual needs including:
- Intensive medical care and treatment if you are in a crisis
- care and treatment for anyone displaying the early signs of mental health problems
- therapeutic treatment for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
- helping you to access other NHS services such as eating disorder services, and ‘Improving access to psychological therapies’ (IAPT)
- assisting with your wider health and wellbeing needs by working with charities and local organisations across housing, drug and alcohol misuse, finances and more
- helping you to transition to civilian life by ensuring you get mental health care and support from the Defence Medical Services
You can contact them directly on 020 3317 6818 or veteransservice@candi.nhs.uk or ask your GP for a referral.
