Veterans receive extra NHS support in Cornwall
Armed forces veterans are being urged to speak up when using our health and care services.
It follows the Trust earning its silver award through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme last year and Veteran Aware status in 2022. Veteran Aware status comes from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, which encourages NHS providers to identify patients and staff with an armed forces background and offers extra support.
One way we can support veterans is by putting them in touch with an armed forces champion. These include Neill Wilson, Progress Coordinator:
"If a veteran accesses our services, we can often offer extra help. We can signpost to armed forces charities in the community and other voluntary agencies to support their ongoing care once they have been discharged from hospital. These include Age UK, Home from Hospital, Volunteer Cornwall, and Humans Cornwall.
For veterans with orthopaedic issues as a direct result of their service, we can try to support them to be fast-tracked. Success is dependent on many factors, such as resources, availability, and funding.
If we know a patient is a veteran, we can help them in more ways than to provide just medical care."
Anthony's story
Anthony is among those to receive support from our armed forces champions. He served in the Royal Engineers as a Sergeant and served in Northern Ireland.
After his wife passed away in January 2024, Anthony became disengaged with society and neglected his own health. His home became a health and safety hazard.
Both Cornwall Housing and adult social care were trying to become involved and support Anthony. However, he declined and hid in the darkness of his grief and mental health crisis. There was a court order to repossess his home.
Anthony became an inpatient at one of our hospitals after collapsing at a supermarket. When he realised the hospital was 'Veteran Aware,' Anthony felt safe enough to trust the staff and let them know the problems he was facing.
Neill was called in to support Anthony. He managed to contact Anthony's housing officer and prevent court action, by working closely with the housing officer and encouraging Anthony to engage with volunteer agencies.
The housing officer managed to find safe, alternative accommodation to suit Anthony's needs. Signposted by Neill, a range of organisations were involved with supporting Anthony. These included Age UK; Humans Cornwall; the Royal British Legion; Active Plus; Op Kernow and the Veterans Charity. The support ranged from help to move house and source new furniture, to support with claiming the right benefits and to prevent isolation.
Neill added:
"Thanks to Anthony's bravery, many civilian and military agencies and charities are now involved with supporting him to ensure that he does not fall through the cracks.
He has a fresh start. With the best of luck, he will not return to the NHS system."
We have 22 armed forced champions working in the Trust. 2 of our community hospitals are now Veteran Aware, with 3 more soon to achieve this status.