NORTHAMPTON General Hospital (NGH) has been named a Veteran Aware hospital in recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families.
The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance (VCHA), acknowledges the hospital’s commitment to a number of key pledges, including:
* Ensuring that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant;
* Training relevant staff on veteran specific culture or needs;
* Making veterans, reservists and service families aware of appropriate charities or NHS services beneficial to them, such as mental health services or support with financial and/or benefit claims;
* Supporting the armed forces as an employer.
NGH is now one of 33 members of the VCHA and is part of only the second wave of hospitals to be accredited.
Ruth Smith, NGH’s Armed Forces Project Lead said: “I am extremely proud to have accepted this accreditation on behalf of the hospital. This achievement could only be made possible by the support of the whole of team NGH. We look forward to continuing our commitment to keep raising awareness and offering support, guidance and signposting however we can for all of our valued veterans, their families and carers.”
Hospitals recognised as Veteran Aware will display posters in their clinics and public waiting areas urging anyone who has served in the armed forces to make themselves known to staff.
Photo NGH Ruth Smith Veteran Aware: Ruth receives the NGH’s accreditation certificate from Major Paul Shipley MBE RA and Professor Tim Briggs, NHS National Director of Clinical Improvement and Co-Chair of the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance