27 September 2022

Being Veteran Aware and committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, we at Frimley Health want to make sure that those in the armed forces community are supported, their needs met and that their treatment is not disadvantaged in any way.

To ensure that we do our best to support those who have served our country, we are looking to build up our network by compiling a database of patients and staff who have served or continue to serve in the military.

We will also be holding events throughout the year, as well as providing ‘armed forces champion’ training to enhance the support we offer.  

Want to be an armed forces champion?

The champion, through training and development, will use their understanding of the culture of the armed forces’ community to design services. The live online course will help them to: 

• better understand how to engage with the armed forces community
• understand how they can support our organisation to help this group
• understand how they can gain support from other services /charities
• reinforce the integration between communities.

If you are interested in this role, contact the NHS Armed Forces Networks: Sussex, Kent and Medway on scdt.admin@nhs.net for the next available course. If you do attend the training, please email kerry.gospel@nhs.net so your updated skill set can be added to your contact details. 

For your diary – 11 November  

The next event for your diaries is Remembrance Day on Friday 11 November at the Army Cadet Centre next to Frimley Park Hospital.  

There will also be a series of coffee mornings throughout the year.  

If you wish to be kept informed about these events and would like to be involved in this community and support our veteran patients and staff, please contact kerry.gospel@nhs.net with your details. 

How can you help veterans?  

Kerry Gospel, Frimley Health’s Armed Forces Covenant lead, said: “All patients who enter the Trust are asked ‘Have you or your spouse served in the armed forces?’ which allows us to update their veteran status on Epic and support these individuals while in our care.

“This does not mean they are entitled to priority over others, or given any special treatment, but often just engaging with other veteran staff who understand their background can make a huge difference to them. 

“If any veterans have been disadvantaged as a result of service life or their injury is service-related, then this should be highlighted to allow us to signpost them to a relevant charity or support network as required. Thank you in advance for your support of this initiative.”