Veteran Friendly GP Practice
We are proud to have recently become a Armed Forces Veteran friendly accredited GP Practice
How to get the most from your GP
- It is important to register with a GP, rather than wait until you need treatment. Visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk to find details of GP practices in your local area
- If you’ve recently left the forces, it is important to give your GP the paperwork that your military medical centre gave you, including any medical records. This will help to make sure your military health record transfers to your NHS health record. This will also give your GP information on your health and ensure that any ongoing care and treatment is continued.
- Regardless of when you left the military, tell your GP that you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces. This will help your GP to better understand any military related health conditions that you may have and ensure that you are referred, where appropriate, to dedicated services for veterans.
- This includes the specialist mental and physical health services, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and the Veterans Trauma Network.
- When using these services, you will be able to speak to people who:
- understand the Armed Forces and military life
- are either from the Armed Forces community or highly experienced in working with serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families
- will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment
- work closely with a range of organisations and charities, including military charities, to support your wider health and wellbeing needs.
- With your agreement, it can sometimes be helpful for your doctor to refer you to Armed Forces charities, such as SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress or Help for Heroes. They can often offer significant help and support, even if they do not all deliver healthcare.
- You may be worried about sharing information about your time in the Armed Forces. Please note that the NHS is bound by a confidentiality code of practice to ensure GPs, nurses and other people working within the NHS deliver a confidential service bound by law
Helpful links
For more information, speak to your GP or visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/armedforceshealth
| The Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service |
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| Veteran’s Gateway |
Veteran’s Gateway – 24/7 phoneline https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk First point of contact for welfare needs including housing, finances, employment, physical and mental wellbeing |
| ssafa - The Armed Forces Charity |
Whatever challenges they're facing, members of the Armed Forces community can rely on SSAFA. More information can be found here: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity |
| The Royal British Legion |
The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their familes. More information can be found here: The Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity |
| Combat Stress - For Veteran's Mental Health |
Here to help 24/7. Free Helpline: 0800 1381619. TEXT: 07537 173683. Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk More information can be found here: Philanthropy | Combat Stress |
| Help for Heroes |
More information can be found here: UK Armed Forces and military veterans charity | Help For Heroes |
| SAMARITANS |
Freephone their Veterans Support Hub for the military community on 0808 175 3075 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org – to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. |
| SHOUT |
A crisis test support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support and to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #textCONTACT85258 |