Are you a Military Veteran?

In the UK a military veteran is defined as anyone who has drawn one day’s pay from the Armed Forces. This means all personnel, male or female, who have served for one day or more, in any occupation in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, or the Army, including Reservists and National Service personnel, and the Merchant Navy if involved in a conflict. A veteran is therefore not defined by the length, nature of their service, or when they left. They also remain veterans even if discharged from the forces for a serious or criminal breach of the 1955 Army Act.

In the NHS we use the term ‘veteran’ to describe ex-forces who are entitled to priority access under the UK Military Covenant, the UK Government's promise of a duty of care to British armed forces.

Please tell the  surgery that you have served in the Armed Forces, whether you are a new or pre-existing patient, as this means that we record this in your medical record. This is important because:

• It can help us to prioritise and expedite (bring forward) your treatment with a hospital if your condition is a consequence of your service
• If you or your family move around the UK due to you being posted elswhere you will retain your  place on any NHS waiting list
• You can access a number of servics that are dedicated for veterans (these include mental health services, prosthesis services and mobility equipment support)

Dr Stuart McInnes, who himself qualifies as a veteran, is the clinical lead for military veterans and works to ensure that we as a surgery help to uphold the military Covenant on behalf of our patients as befits our status as an accredited veteran friendly practice