Veteran Aware accreditation for East Kent Hospitals

East Kent Hospitals has been accredited as Veteran Aware, formally recognising the Trust’s commitment to the armed forces community.

The accreditation was confirmed by the national Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), which includes representatives from government and the NHS nationally as well as veterans.

The VCHA aims to ensure veterans and their families are not disadvantaged in accessing treatment compared to people who have not served in the armed forces. It also calls for special consideration for those who have given the most, such as those who are bereaved or injured in service.

Chief people officer Andrea Ashman, who is the Trust’s Executive sponsor for veterans, said: “I’m delighted we have been formally recognised for our commitment to delivering the best healthcare and support to armed services veterans, reservists and their families.

“We have introduced clinical leads in departments across the Trust to ensure training around the needs of veterans is embedded in different teams, and we are also looking at how we can support our colleagues who are veterans, reservists, or who have family members who are.

“The accreditation is just the beginning of this work and we will continue to embed best practice and ensure we uphold our duty under the Armed Forces Covenant.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces are treated fairly, as are their families. This could include making sure people do not lose their place on NHS waiting lists if they move frequently due to their service.

Anna-Marie Tipping, NHS Veteran Aware regional lead, said the national steering group had been impressed by the Trust’s commitment to raising awareness of veterans’ issues across the organisation.

She said: “I would like to personally thank the Trust and the Trust’s working group on ensuring that no member of the armed forces community will be disadvantaged in receiving healthcare or employment within the Trust.

“Their dedication to this community is commendable, and they have consistently met the values of the Trust.

“Congratulations on your accreditation, and we look forward to our continued relationship in recognising the sacrifices of our armed forces community whilst continuing to ensure no disadvantage.”