Veterans Scotland Health & Wellbeing Group

Medal

 

The Health & Wellbeing Group

The Health & Wellbeing Groupis the lead within Veterans Scotland on all Health and Wellbeing provision related matters to ensure that the Veterans community in Scotland is well informed on how veterans can access care appropriate to individual needs. The group brings together those member organisations who provide health & wellbeing to veterans in a common forum whose agenda includes:

  • Identify and work together with MOD and the Scottish Government in the field of Health and Wellbeing provision to veterans. 
  • Review current Health and Wellbeing provision against Veterans needs identifying both shortfalls and duplication 
  • Lead on lobbying over adequate funding for Health and Wellbeing.

 

Veterans and the NHS

If you have served in the armed forces as a regular or a reserve then you may be entitled to healthcare support as a veteran.

The armed forces covenant

NHS Scotland and all Scottish health boards have signed the armed forces covenant which says that:

  • veterans should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in using or accessing public and commercial services
  • special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for the injured and the bereaved

Priority treatment for veterans

The covenant states that veterans should receive priority treatment for ongoing health problems that are a direct result of their service unless there is an emergency case or another case that demands higher clinical priority. If you have health condition that fits this description and that needs treatment, please tell your GP.

“Priority treatment” should not be interpreted as “preferential treatment”. The level of priority is based on your clinical need for treatment. Veterans with health conditions that are not a direct result of service in the armed forces will not be given priority treatment.

Leaving the armed forces

When you leave the armed forces and return to civilian life, you should register with your local GP. Tell your GP that you have been in the forces and let them know if you have any medical conditions that are a direct result of your service. However, it is your choice whether or not you wish to be identified as a veteran in your NHS medical records.

Medical records

When you leave the forces you will be offered an F Med 133 which you should give to your civilian GP. This summarises your medical history, immunisation and screening status, and current medication.

Your medical records from your time in service are held by the MOD and can be shared with your GP with your signed consent.

 

Carers' Information Pack - Information for carers, friends and families


The Carers' Information Pack gives information to carers about mental illness and where to find support.

It aims to meet some of the basic information needs of carers, family members and friends of people who have been diagnosed as having a mental illness or serious mental health problem.

Information is available on:

Veterans Scotland Groups

If you are looking for information, advice or guidance on any of the pillars, click on the relevant link below:

Links

 

 

 

SCOTTISH VETERANS COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR A REINVIGORATED APPROACH TO VETERANS’ HEALTHCARE IN SCOTLAND AND MORE AMBITION AND INNOVATION IN MEETING THEIR LONG-TERM NEEDS

In his latest report published today (Wednesday April 24), The Scottish Veterans Commissioner has called for a return to the days of more attention, ambition and innovation in meeting the long-term health and social care needs of Scotland’s veterans’ community.

A copy of the report is available here

NHS Inform

Scotland's Service Directory

Through Scotland's Service Directory you can find the names, addresses, opening times and service details for thousands of health and wellbeing services in Scotland.

A&Es and Minor Injuries Units 

Dental services 

GP practices 

Health and wellbeing services 

Hospitals 

Opticians 

Pharmacies 

Sexual health clinics