This Armed Forces Day marks a proud milestone for the NHS: every NHS trust in England is now officially accredited as Veteran Aware. This achievement, led by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), reflects a national commitment to providing compassionate, personalised care to serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.
Veteran Aware accreditation means trusts identify patients with a Forces background, train staff to understand their needs, and embed Armed Forces-friendly practices across their services. It aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that no member of this community faces disadvantage in accessing healthcare.
“Reaching 100% accreditation is a meaningful step forward,” said Professor Tim Briggs CBE, VCHA Chair. “Every trust now stands ready to support those who have served – and their families.”
The NHS’s commitment continues to grow, with independent providers and hospices also pursuing accreditation. Learn more at: https://veteranaware.nhs.uk
