NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight has pledged to support serving and former armed forces personnel and their families.

On November 6, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to fair treatment for all armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

The signing took place at a public board meeting and serves as a timely reminder, especially with Remembrance Day approaching, of the unique health and care needs this group faces.

In the UK, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight reportedly have the highest number of veterans and armed forces personnel, along with their families.

The more complex physical and mental health conditions experienced by this group can create greater barriers to accessing services. Frequent relocations can also disrupt treatment, making the recognition of these needs essential.

All NHS trusts in the region, including many local GP practices, have received 'Veteran Friendly' accreditation. This ensures that armed forces personnel and veterans are looked after by frontline staff trained to meet their specific needs.

Staff trained in veteran care provide patients with leaflets and posters explaining what to expect. These resources also signpost relevant local support services.

Maggie MacIsaac, Chief Executive, and Lena Samuels, Chair of NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, signed the covenant.

Maggie MacIsaac said: "By signing the Covenant, we are building on the work we have done to date to remove the disadvantages members of the Armed Forces can face when seeking NHS care and treatment. We are committing ourselves to providing greater clarity to those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, about the services they use."

Lena Samuels said: "Ahead of Remembrance Day it is important to recognise the sacrifice that members of the armed forces and their families make and what we can do in return to ensure their health care needs are recognised and they can access the treatment and services they need in a fair way."

The duties laid out for healthcare organisations in the covenant are detailed in the statutory guidance on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty.

This was published in November 2022 and distributed under the Armed Forces Act 2006.