Armed Forces Day (24 June) shows support for the people who make up the armed forces community; including currently serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.
Along with the Armed Forces Network (AFN), NHS Kent and Medway is continuing to improve health and care for the armed forces community.
More than 40 GP practices in Kent and Medway have received ‘veteran friendly’ accreditation for their work to support armed forces.
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The national scheme aims to improve medical care and treatment for former members of the armed services and has been backed by NHS England and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
Accredited practices have upskilled social prescribers and care navigators, improved understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant among frontline clinical staff and developed links with organisations to improve the network of care for veterans.
Dr Jeremy Carter, Executive Partner at Park Surgery and Clinical Lead at Kent and Sussex Armed Forces Network, said:
“In the past year we have seen an increase in the number of our GP practices becoming accredited as veteran friendly, demonstrating their ability to deliver the best possible care to our veterans.
“We aim to continue expanding this, so all our veterans have access to care that reflects the commitment and sacrifices they have given.”
Read more about our work to support our armed forces community.
The AFN works to tackle health inequalities, improve awareness and provide wider support to the armed forces and their families across the south east.
It has launched two new channels to provide information and support on accessing NHS services, finding a local veteran friendly practice and accessing mental health and wellbeing services.
Find out more at Armed Forces Network and OpCommunity.
There are lots of events taking place in Kent and Medway this weekend to mark Armed Forces Day. Get involved and show your support.