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GP practices can register to become ‘veteran-friendly’ as part of a new Welsh NHS scheme to improve services for veterans.
The scheme, created by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), will offer specialist training to practices that sign up.
What is Health Education and Improvement Wales?
HEIW is the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales. It has a leading role in providing the healthcare workforce in Wales with education, training and development.
HEIW has an office in Nantgarw.
It aims to train practices to provide specialist care for current and former military personnel and their families.
Surgeries joining the scheme will regularly ask new patients if they or their family members have served, or are currently serving, with the British Armed Forces.
Dr Chris Price, programme lead for HEIW and a practising GP, said: “Whilst most military veterans will not have conditions related to their service, I have personally seen the difference that recognising the impact of service on health can make to an individual.
“This recognition can build and cement trust between the person and their GP.”
Lynne Neagle MS, the Welsh Government’s deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing, said the scheme “will make it easier for our veterans to have their healthcare needs met when and where they need it.”
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