The NHS is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and provides national services to support our Armed Forces community.
The NHS definition of a veteran differs slightly to the covenant, as it also includes Merchant Seafarers and any civilians who crewed vessels that supported military operations.
GPs now receive a module of training specifically on veterans healthcare during their foundation training.
Registering with a doctors' surgery
In Northamptonshire, our Clinical Commissioning partners at Nene and Corby CCG have taken great steps at raising awareness throughout primary care practice. When registering at a doctors' surgery please ensure you tell them you are an ex-service personnel, reservist or spouse/child and they will make sure your notes are kept up to date.
At Northampton General Hospital they have updated their systems to include identifying the Armed Forces Community and have specialist Armed Forces champions throughout the hospital.
Injuries caused by your service
In some cases where your injury was caused directly by your service, a GP can fast track you through for treatment and ensure those they refer you to are aware of your military history.
What happens if you are on a waiting list in one area of the country for treatment and are then posted to a different area?
Your position on the new waiting list should match where you have just left. This will not take you above anyone with a greater clinical need but should help to ensure you have not been disadvantaged by you or your spouse's service.
Medical staff cannot signpost you correctly if you do not make it known that you are serving, have served or are a spouse or child.
More information
For more information on NHS England's commitment and services visit
NHS England: Services for members of the armed forces.