The chief executive of the NHS has signed a public pledge to people in the armed forces and their families to ensure they get the support they need from local health services. Amanda Pritchard signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of NHS England at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea yesterday (Thursday 5 September 2024). […]

The NHS is stepping up a national campaign to recruit former members of the Armed Forces who want to join the health service and offer their valuable skills to caring for patients. Running until March 2025, the new NHS Long Term Workforce Plan drive will encourage serving and retired armed forces personnel and their families […]

The NHS is rolling out an expanded mental health support service for Armed Forces veterans, as a survey found that more than half find it difficult to speak up about mental health issues. The health service has today (9 January) launched a new campaign to highlight its Op COURAGE service, which now includes enhanced specialist […]

Dozens of amputees will be able to access life-changing bionic arms which can mimic real hand movements, the NHS announced today. The newly available bionic arms – controlled by electrical brain signals – have multi-grip capabilities, enabling a greater range of movements to make day-to-day tasks easier. The NHS will make the technology available to […]

Armed forces veterans suffering a mental health crisis will receive specialist care as part of a new Op Courage service launched by NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens today. Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will work with military charities to provide therapy, rehab services and, in extreme cases, inpatient care to hundreds of former […]

As the nation gears up to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the NHS wants all those who have served their country to know that dedicated help and support is still available despite the coronavirus outbreak. The NHS has also today payed tribute to the many veterans who are working as ‘hidden heroes’ in […]

Millions more items of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff have been delivered to NHS services across the country in the last few days as part of the fight against coronavirus. Hospitals, ambulance trusts, GP practices, pharmacists, care homes and hospices have all been receiving additional supplies over the past week, sourced by the Department […]

NHS chiefs have urged family doctors to enlist in a scheme improving care for thousands of armed forces veterans and their families. GPs and their teams have been sent a comprehensive package of resources covering how to identify veterans and make sure their service is recognised by hospitals and other services, as well as how […]

Thousands more veterans who struggle with civilian life will benefit from new and expanded NHS services, including mental health support, as part of the NHS’ long term plan. A new dedicated crisis service will provide intensive support to scores of the most vulnerable former soldiers, sailors and air men and women battling alcohol, drugs and […]

NHS leaders have confirmed today that specialist health support for veterans will be available in every part of the health service, across the country. The commitment will ensure that those who have served in the armed forces have the best possible experience of the NHS and get the best care, regardless of whether they get […]