UHNM’s Veteran Aware Accreditation renewed
UHNM has received approval of its Veteran Aware Accreditation for another year. The Trust has made a commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families. UHNM is now one of more than 100 NHS Trusts that are now part of the alliance: https://veteranaware.nhs.uk/vcha-accredited-trusts-alphabetical/ that have been accredited as exemplars of the best care for veterans and leading the way in improving veterans’ care within the NHS.
The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), acknowledges the Trust’s commitment to a number of key pledges, including:
🔵 Ensuring that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant;
🔵 Training relevant staff on veteran specific culture or needs;
🔵 Making veterans, reservists and service families aware of appropriate charities or NHS services beneficial to them, such as mental health services or agencies to support with financial and/or benefit claims;
🔵 Supporting the armed forces as an employer
Matthew Lewis, UHNM Executive Medical Director, said: “UHNM has a rich history of armed forces personal, dating back to World War Two and even today we have a large number of staff that are part of the Armed Forces Reserves or are ex-forces Veterans. Several members of the Regular Armed Forces also work in key locations and services across our hospitals bringing with them a wealth of experience and key skills.
“Our Armed Forces community gives us a real insight into how we can support veterans, those currently serving and their families and we actively encourage all patients and staff to let us know if they currently serve or have ever served in the UK armed forces so that we can best support their needs.
"We are extremely proud to support our veterans and to be acknowledged as a Veteran Aware Trust.”
Trusts recognised as Veteran Aware display posters in their clinics and public waiting areas urging anyone who has served in the armed forces to make themselves known to staff.
The veteran aware accreditation is in addition to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which the Trust earned the gold award for in 2019, the scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.
David Smith, who works for the Armed Forces Champion team, said: “We are really pleased to have our accreditation renewed and are currently in the process of collaborating with other local accredited Trusts to further share ideas of best practice to help support veterans.
“We now have over 157 members in our UHNM Armed Forces Community and this number is growing daily. Under the direction of our Armed Forces Champions, the team have worked hard on various initiatives throughout the year to further improve the support we provide to veteran patients and members of the Armed Forces Community”.
To help achieve this UHNM signed The Armed Forces Covenant, which is aimed at promoting fair treatment for the Armed Forces community, removing disadvantage and ensuring they have the same access to services as the civilian community.
David B Wood, VCHA Midlands and East of England Regional Lead, said: “UHNM’s submission and supporting evidence was considered as an exemplar Trust and strongly supported and approved.
“It’s a fine testament to the Trust’s efforts and recognition of the effect you are creating in supporting the military community.”
For further information around how UHNM is supporting Veterans and the Armed Forces Community or forces charities that can assist veterans, check out our webpage.