Dorset achieves 100% veteran friendly accreditation across all surgeries
Every general practice surgery in Dorset is now officially a Veteran Friendly Practice . This is a big step forward in helping people who have served in the armed forces get the support they need.
Dorset is home to both serving military personnel and veterans. Over 22,900 residents aged 16+ have previously served in the armed forces (both regular and reserve service). Including spouses and children, the total size of the Armed Forces Community locally is estimated to be more than 100,000 people.
This means at least 1 in every 7 people in Dorset should benefit from the support outlined in the Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect.
This milestone means all surgeries have made a commitment to:
Know who their veteran patients are
Understand how military life can affect health
Can give the right care or help veterans find the right services
The Veteran Friendly Practice accreditation scheme was set up by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in partnership with NHS England. It was designed to help veterans feel respected and supported, to stop people suffering in silence, and waiting too long to ask for help.
"Now that we’ve reached this milestone in Dorset, we hope it will be easier to help veterans get the health and care support they need," said Ash Boreham, Deputy Director for Partnerships, Research and Innovation at NHS Dorset. "As a Veteran, it can be just how healthcare professionals engage with me, we as a community sometimes are not good at asking for help. But just being aware can allow veterans to start that conversation and journey to wellbeing."
Tim Goodson, Executive Officer at the Dorset General Practice Alliance, said,
“We’re pleased to see every general practice surgery in Dorset now formally recognised as Veteran Friendly. Accreditation is more than a badge. It reflects a consistent and informed approach to delivering the right care to those who are part of the armed forces community. It’s an important step in ensuring that no veteran is left without the understanding and support they need.”
To join the scheme, each general practice surgery has to choose a staff member to lead on veteran care, complete specialist training and demonstrate a commitment to make sure veterans feel respected and supported.
Carson Black, South West Lead for the RCGP Veteran Friendly Practice Programme, said,
“I am delighted that Dorset practices have shown such commitment to our veterans. Some veterans have health issues that are linked to their time in the military. These might include physical injuries or mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By being part of this scheme, practices in Dorset are better prepared to give veterans the right support.”
If you or someone you know has served in the armed forces, let your general practice surgery know.
Visit your general practice surgery website for more information.