GP surgeries sign up for veteran-friendly status

The Armed Forces Covenant team at Shropshire Council says more than half of the county’s GP practices have signed up to becoming veteran-friendly after a year-long campaign.

In total 27 out of 42 practices in the NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care Board area have now registered, and 24 are from Shropshire.

Through the programme the practices benefit from support to identify their veterans. A clinical lead is also appointed as part of the programme, who undertakes training and other activities specifically related to veteran healthcare.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the Armed Forces Covenant, said:-

“Shropshire has a large Armed Forces community, including serving members (Regulars and Reserves), veterans and their families, and it is essential that their health needs, which can be specific, are met. This sends a powerful message to our veterans that their needs are recognised and understood.

“I am proud of the work our Armed Forces Covenant team are carrying out, and that they have raised awareness to the extent that more than half of Shropshire’s GPs are now officially veteran-friendly, and I know it will be appreciated by the veterans community.”

Dr Deborah Shepherd, deputy chief medical officer of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said:-

“It is vitally important that we ensure healthcare services are available for all. The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge we have made to honour and respect anyone who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces, as well as their families.

“I am delighted that so many of our GP practices have signed the Covenant and have committed to ensuring additional support with education, family wellbeing, starting a new career, financial assistance and access to healthcare.”

Further information about the scheme can be found using the following link https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=12533&chapterid=285

The NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care Board Veteran-friendly practices are:-

The Caxton Surgery

Pontesbury Medical Practice

Westbury Medical Centre

Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice

Drayton Medical Practice

Belvidere Medical Practice

South Hermitage Surgery

Wem and Prees Medical Practice

Knockin Medical Centre

Marden Medical Practice

Marysville Medical Practice

Bridgnorth Medical Practice

Riverside Medical Practice

Alveley Medical Practice

Plas Ffynnon Medical Centre

The Beeches Medical Practice

Albrighton Medical Practice

Dawley Medical Practice

Radbrook Green Surgery

Portcullis Surgery

Stirchley Medical Practice

Brown Clee Medical Practice

Severn Fields Medical Practice

Cambrian Medical Centre

Shawbury Medical Practice

Donnington Medical Practice

Worthen Medical Practice