NHS leaders have announced that specialist health support for our country’s veterans will be available in every part of the health service – across the UK.

The announcement will make sure those who have service, or are serving, have the best possible experience of the NHS and receive the best care, regardless of whether they receive help from their GP, hospital or specialist services.

The commitment comes as NHS England confirmed every part of the UK now has dedicated mental health services for veterans.

It also follows NHS Improvement’s announcing of the first 25 hospitals to become ‘Veteran Aware.’

Kate Davies OBE, NHS England’s Director of Armed Forces, said: “Our armed forces and our NHS are rightly a source of immense pride for our country, and we’re committed to delivering a health service fit for former troops and their families.

“Remembrance Day gives us the chance the reflect on those who have bravely fought for our country and offers and important opportunity to remind them that there is always help available.”

NHS leaders are now calling on every NHS hospital to get accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’ under the national scheme.

Ms Davies continued: “The NHS is committed to ensuring that every veteran gets the best possible care and thousands are now benefiting from early access to mental health support which evidence shows is more effective.

“Ahead of the publication of the long term plan later this year, today’s commitments will ensure that ex-Armed Forces get the specialist care and support they need, while having the best possible experience of the NHS, no matter which service they use.”

Other steps taken to ensure veterans get the tailored care and support they need, include:

• Over 100 GP surgeries are now ‘Veteran Friendly’ with more signing up as this rolled out across England
• Nearly 300 people have used the NHS England complex veteran service for more severe mental health conditions including treatment for PTSD which was launched in April this year.