Facebook Twitter Instagram
HomeNewsNew Scheme to improve healthcare for veterans

News

New Scheme to improve healthcare for veterans

Posted on November 6 2023 at 17:26

Veterans 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.

RSS Comments

Follow us on Instagram Instagram

On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
1 day ago
It was a pleasure to meet Angus Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Ronnie Proctor, at Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch Association and Museum. The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families. I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum
It was a pleasure to meet Angus Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Ronnie Proctor, at Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch Association and Museum. The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families. I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum
2 days ago
Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It was inspiring to see and hear at first hand how this nature based programme is supporting Service Leavers and veterans, making a positive difference to their recovery, wellbeing and connection with others. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh
Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It was inspiring to see and hear at first hand how this nature based programme is supporting Service Leavers and veterans, making a positive difference to their recovery, wellbeing and connection with others. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh
4 days ago
I enjoyed catching up with Martin Nadin, CEO of Scottish Veterans Residences and Chair of the Veterans Scotland Housing Group. It was valuable to hear an update on veterans' homelessness from an expert provider and to discuss both the challenges we continue to face and the action needed to address them. No one who has served their country should find themselves homeless, and there is still much work to do to make that a reality.
I enjoyed catching up with Martin Nadin, CEO of Scottish Veterans Residences and Chair of the Veterans Scotland Housing Group. It was valuable to hear an update on veterans' homelessness from an expert provider and to discuss both the challenges we continue to face and the action needed to address them. No one who has served their country should find themselves homeless, and there is still much work to do to make that a reality.
1 week ago
@ScotVeteranComm on Instagram »
Loading