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New Scheme to improve healthcare for veterans

Posted on November 6 2023 at 17:26

GP in office with patientVeterans Minister Graeme Dey today announced the launch of the General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme across Scotland, following a successful pilot.

The move aims to benefit veterans and Armed Forces families by providing more tailored healthcare focused on the specific health challenges they may face following military service.

The national roll out of the scheme aligns with SVC recommendations and is a hugely welcome move. For most Service leavers, GPs are the gatekeepers to wider healthcare services, so an improved understanding of veterans’ needs is a pivotal step towards ensuring they can access appropriate health and wellbeing services in a timely manner.

Some members of the ex-Service community can struggle to adapt and find it difficult to access and navigate health care in a less familiar civilian world. They may feel that medical staff do not understand their issues and may be reluctant to seek help. Knowing that GP staff have received specialist training will hopefully make them feel more comfortable about asking for help.

The scheme provides easy access training materials for GPs to help increase understanding of veterans’ needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided. The specific issues faced by veterans and Armed Forces families will also be set out in clinical case studies to help improve understanding among GPs. Participation in the scheme is voluntary and aims to improve awareness of the relevant support services available.

Like the rest of the Scottish population, veterans have the right to the highest possible standards of health care and to live long, healthier lives. No veteran should ever suffer disadvantage as a result of their military service when accessing health services in Scotland. I would urge all GPs to play their part in helping to meet the needs of the veterans community by signing up to the scheme.

This is a really positive step for veterans across Scotland and I look forward to hearing about its impact in due course.

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From VE Day commemorations and marking 110 years since the Gretna rail disaster, to celebrating the naming of HMS Glasgow and 140 years of SSAFA, May has been a packed month. Read more in my round-up - link in biog 🔗
From VE Day commemorations and marking 110 years since the Gretna rail disaster, to celebrating the naming of HMS Glasgow and 140 years of SSAFA, May has been a packed month. Read more in my round-up - link in biog 🔗
1 week ago
The SVC Office was represented at a great event in Stirling hosted by The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Good to hear about their new strategy and the support they provide in Scotland.
The SVC Office was represented at a great event in Stirling hosted by The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Good to hear about their new strategy and the support they provide in Scotland.
1 week ago
Delighted to catch up with some of the Glasgow's Helping Heroes team at @ssafaofficial's 140th birthday service in Edinburgh. The service was a real celebration featuring the superb Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, incredibly talented Pipes, Drums and Dancers of Queen Victoria School, and the wonderful Military Wives Choir.
Delighted to catch up with some of the Glasgow's Helping Heroes team at @ssafaofficial's 140th birthday service in Edinburgh. The service was a real celebration featuring the superb Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, incredibly talented Pipes, Drums and Dancers of Queen Victoria School, and the wonderful Military Wives Choir.
1 week ago
I’m delighted to share that my term as Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended until September 2026. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue serving Scotland’s veterans and their families. I remain committed to championing your voices, highlighting your skills and experiences, and working to ensure you receive the recognition and support you deserve. Thank you to everyone who continues to engage with this important work. I look forward to the next chapter of progress and partnership.
I’m delighted to share that my term as Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended until September 2026. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue serving Scotland’s veterans and their families. I remain committed to championing your voices, highlighting your skills and experiences, and working to ensure you receive the recognition and support you deserve. Thank you to everyone who continues to engage with this important work. I look forward to the next chapter of progress and partnership.
2 weeks ago
@ScotVeteranComm on Instagram »
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