New service to help Wiltshire military families access healthcare
NHS bosses are encouraging people to sign up for updates
Military families in Wiltshire are being encouraged to sign up to a service helping them to access local healthcare more simply.
NHS bosses for the region including Wiltshire and Swindon say the OpCommunity service can better support those who might be living here from other parts of the country.
It offers personalised advice and guidance on any matter that can make accessing local services a challenge, such as when medical records may not have been transferred from a previous provider.
Richard Marshall, Armed Forces Single Point of Contact, at the local Integrated Care Board, said:
“As an exserviceman, I know that many military families, some of whom will be new to the area, can feel overwhelmed at the thought of having to navigate the local NHS.
“Moving around the country to support a loved one in the Forces can be difficult enough, without having to factor in the need to, among other things, register with a new GP practice, arrange for records to be moved and find out where the nearest emergency department is.
“By being part of OpCommunity, we are giving families a direct route into the heart of the local NHS, where they can find answers to all their questions, directions to the right services and help for issues that are creating a barrier to care.”
Families can access this new support service by calling 07880 300 035, or emailing bswicb.afspoc@nhs.net - there's also more information on the BSW ICB website.