Ex-forces personnel across Milton Keynes are being encouraged to tell their GP surgeries that they have served in the UK armed Forces in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.
The Royal College of General Practitioners have developed a ‘Veteran Friendly’ accreditation scheme for GP surgeries.
Over 60% of MK GPs have signed up already, with more in the process of doing so. Currently, the national average is 38%.
This involves staff having additional Armed Forces awareness training, nominating a veterans champion and recording veteran status.
Veterans can ask for ‘Military Veteran’ to be added to their records, with the read code XaX3n.
Knowing whether a patient has spent time in the military may help GPs identify some of the health conditions that are more common in those who have served.
Local Army Reservist Johanna, or ‘JJ’, is also the Armed Forces Covenant officer for both Milton Keynes University Hospital and Milton Keynes City Council.
She said: "Our city has an incredible commitment to our Armed Forces community, with both the council and the hospital having forces-friendly policies in place to support both staff, patients and citizens who have served.
"Some of the Armed Forces Covenant became law a year ago, and our city is doing its bit to make sure veterans and their families are treated fairly, and not disadvantaged by their military service. We’re thrilled that so many GP practices have signed up to the scheme."
JJ delivers monthly GP practice training sessions along with her Army Reserve colleague and local GP, Dr Thao Nguyen.
Together they help practices understand the unique nature of service life and the benefits of becoming ‘Veteran Friendly’.
JJ has put together an MK specific Armed Forces Support Directory to help veterans and those supporting them quickly and easily find the right help.
If you’d like to know more, you can email armedforcescovenant@milton-keynes.gov.uk
