A scheme that provides additional training to general practice staff to help them support Armed Forces and Veteran community patients and the potential impact of military service on their health has been launched.
The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans' Recognition Scheme was launched by the Scottish Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey, on 6 November 2023. NHS Highland was involved in the development of the training programme and one of our GPs was one of the first to test it out during the trial phase.
The scheme will also advise on how to use the Armed Forces Covenant most effectively.
Our Armed Forces and Veterans community – from serving personnel and their families in both the Regular and Reserve Armed Forces to our veterans and their families – are very important to us. We are proud to serve those who serve and have served.
People may not realise that they or a member of their family is a veteran. The definition of a veteran is very broad and includes anyone who has served for one full day in His Majesty's Armed Forces, either Regular or Reserve, or Merchant Naval Seafarers, who have been deployed on UK military operations.
Next time you visit your GP surgery, please tell them if you or a member of your family have served so that they can amend your medical notes. It may not seem important, but if your GP knows this information then they may be better able to use the Armed Forces Covenant to support you access treatment for injuries or conditions that are linked back to military service, or provide advice on organisations that may be able to support you if you require it.
See more information and support for the Armed Forces and veterans community.