Dorset HealthCare reminds veterans 'we're here for you'
Local NHS services have been accredited as 'Veteran Aware' again
Dorset's health services have been classed as 'veteran aware' once again - and is reminding ex-service personnel that 'we're here for you'.
The accreditation from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VC HA), highlights Dorset HealthCare's commitment to improving NHS care for veterans and their families, as well as reservists and active members of the armed forces.
More than 58,000 veterans are living in Dorset – alongside 40,000 serving personnel and family members based in Blandford, Bovington and Poole.
Dorset HealthCare first earned Veteran Aware status in 2021.
Trust Deputy Chief Executive Dawn Dawson said:
“I am very proud we have again been recognised for the care and support we can offer to anyone in the armed forces community who may experience health problems.
“This demonstrates the passion of our staff across the service and shows members of the local armed forces community that we are here for them when they need us.”
As well as healthcare, their Armed Forces service helps people to access support around social care, housing, welfare and employment issues.
The team visits veteran groups across Dorset on a weekly basis, helping to combat loneliness and isolation, and also works with GP surgeries to raise awareness of the help available.
Major (Retired) Andy Gritt MBE, the team’s clinical and operations manager, said:
“We are very proud to have once again received this accreditation.
“It’s vitally important that ex-armed forces personnel are well supported, and we want them to know we are here for them every step of the way.”