In 2019 the Trust joined the Veteran Covenant Hospital Alliance and became Veteran Aware. This initiative is part of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme and compliments the Veteran Friendly GP Practices initiative supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners.
The aim is to drive improvements in NHS care for those who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces and their families, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant. The alliance has been formed to reduce disadvantages to members of the Armed Forces past and present, by giving appropriate priority for any service-related condition. This access is subject to clinical need and veterans are not given priority of referral or treatment ahead of individuals who are in greater clinical need.
Armed Forces regulars, reservists, veterans or service family members attending a clinic at UHL are encouraged to advise the receptionist on arrival of their service connection. This is in order to signpost patients towards any additional services provided to the Armed Forces community by charities or service organisations.
Useful Links for the Armed Forces Community:
NHS England provides healthcare information and support.
Veterans' Gateway is a first point of contact for support for veterans and their families.
Veterans' Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) is an NHS England commissioned mental health service for veterans.
Defence Medical Welfare Service a charity providing welfare support to frontline staff.
The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support.
SSAFA - Leicestershire and Rutland offers help and support.
BLESMA supports those who have lost limbs or sight.
Combat Stress supports veterans’ mental health.
Help for Heroes provides recovery and support services.
UHL Disablement Services links with NHS Veterans Trauma Network & Opcare - Leicester.
Blind Veterans rebuild blind veterans' lives after sight loss.
Mesothelioma UK - Armed Forces Project provides care, support and research.
Leicester Mercury World War One Photographs describes a shared history.
Jobs at Leicester Hospitals - Working with our Armed Forces a webpage dedicated to service leavers.
UHL Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) the Trust welcomes feedback.
