The Armed Forces Act 2021 designates GP practices as one of the key organizations required to show ‘Due Regard’ to the Armed Forces community, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant. One way to fulfill this responsibility is by becoming a ‘Veteran Friendly’ GP Practice, which involves demonstrating an understanding of veterans’ needs and ensuring they have access to the appropriate services.
GP practices play a vital role in delivering healthcare to Veterans, Reservists, and their families who are registered with them. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is collaborating with NHS England and NHS Improvement to accredit GP practices as ‘Veteran Friendly.’
As a Veteran Friendly accredited practice, we commit to:
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Asking all new patients whether they or any immediate family members have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
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Recording this information securely in our computer system.
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Having a designated clinical lead for veterans within the practice, supported by an administrative lead.
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Ensuring that both clinical and administrative leads receive specialized training related to veteran healthcare needs.
This accreditation is valid for three years. Achieving it enables GP practices to better identify and record veteran status, which supports a deeper understanding of their unique health needs and helps improve the care and treatment provided to these patients.