The UK government has marked Remembrance Sunday with a major new pledge to transform healthcare for the nation's military community, unveiling a dedicated plan to ensure the NHS is fully equipped to meet their unique needs.
New Training and Funding for Forces Healthcare
Ministers announced a significant new training programme aimed at giving doctors, nurses, and other NHS staff the specialised skills to identify and support patients with a service background. This initiative is backed by a £1.8 million investment over three years and seeks to address a critical gap in current healthcare provision.
The announcement comes alongside a recognition that many former service personnel fail to 'self-identify' as veterans when accessing the NHS. This means they often miss out on bespoke services already available to them. Earlier this year, concerns were raised that military personnel faced a 'lottery' in getting the healthcare they require.
Government Vows Action Over Words
Health Secretary Wes Streeting vowed that the new measures would ensure NHS staff can 'give our Armed Forces community the personalised care they deserve.' He stated, 'As we mark Remembrance Sunday, we're honouring our Armed Forces not just with words, but with action. We owe serving personnel and veterans nothing less than the best.'
He added that for too long, many in the Armed Forces community have encountered a system that doesn't fully understand their specific needs, declaring 'that changes today.'
Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this sentiment, emphasising the nation's duty to honour the contributions of those who have served and who continue to safeguard national freedoms and peace.
Championing the Change
The new training programme has been warmly welcomed by figures within the military community. Former soldier and Paralympics champion Gregg Stevenson MBE, who was injured during service in Afghanistan and now works within the NHS, hailed the scheme as 'vital'.
Mr Stevenson, who already helps NHS staff understand the needs of the Armed Forces, urged his colleagues to take part in the training so that 'no member of our Armed Forces community is left behind.'
In a separate but related announcement, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy revealed £2 million of funding to support the repair and conservation of local war memorials across the UK. Ms Nandy said it was the nation's duty to preserve these vital tributes with dignity and respect, ensuring the legacy of those who served endures for future generations.
