It's highly important for continuing healthcare that you tell your GP practice that you have served.
Telling the GP practice about your veteran status will trigger the transfer of your full medical documentation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to your GP, and enable you to benefit from veteran-specific services like prosthetics and mental health.
For more information please visit: www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/military-healthcare/priority-nhs-treatment-for-veterans
Veterans may also benefit from using the Veterans Gateway, which provides information, advice and support on a range of areas (telephone: 0808 802 1212) and the Big White Wall, which is a free online mental health resource.
www.veteransgateway.org.uk
www.bigwhitewall.com
Veteran access to health and wellbeing support
If you or someone you know is a veteran and is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available for from the NHS' Op COURAGE - The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service', for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.
Recent events in Afghanistan have put a spotlight on the Armed Forces and Veterans community, and understandably may be having negative impacts on physical and mental wellbeing. Op COURAGE offers specialist care and support.
To access support locally, call 0300 323 0137 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net
If you experience a mental health crisis you can also get help by dialing 111 and using option 2 when prompted, booking an emergency GP appointment, visiting A&E or calling 999. If you are still serving, you can also call the Military Mental Health Helpline on 0800 323 4444.
Anyone who has left the military should register with an NHS GP and tell them that you've served in the Armed Forces to help ensure access to dedicated services for veterans.