Two Lincolnshire GP surgeries become Armed Forces Veteran Friendly practices
Posted on: 23rd November 2020
Improved support to military veterans has led to two Lincolnshire GP practices being recognised with Armed Forces Veteran Friendly accreditation.
The accreditation means staff at Spalding GP Surgery, based at Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding, and The Sidings GP Practice in Boston have demonstrated how they can better identify, treat and support veterans in need of healthcare.
The accreditation is a voluntary initiative awarded by the Royal College of General Practitioners to GP practices who have been rated as ‘Good’ or above by health regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Adele Parsons, primary care lead nurse for Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), said: “Our commitment to improving the support available to military veterans means we now have a dedicated clinical lead for veterans at both surgeries and have undertaken additional training to ensure we can meet the health commitments made within the Armed Forces Covenant.
“We are very proud to already play an active role in delivering healthcare to military families and we hope these improvements will ensure we can continue to make a positive contribution in the support available to veterans in Lincolnshire.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment to ensure those who serve or have served, along with their families, are treated fairly.
LCHS, which manages both GP practices, signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018.
The Armed Forces Veteran Friendly accreditation lasts for three years. Supporting veterans and their families remains a key commitment in the national NHS Long Term Plan.