Veteran friendly GP practice

Heron GP Practice is an accredited Veteran Friendly GP Practice.

We are proud to support our Armed Forces community. Our accreditation shows we can deliver the best possible care and treatment for patients who have served in the armed forces.

As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice we:

  • Have a clinical lead for veteran health
  • Ask patients ‘Have you served?’ to identify veteran patients
  • Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
  • Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

View our Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Accredited Practice certificate

Let a member of staff know if you, or your spouse/partner, have ever served in the UK armed forces. This will help us best support your care needs.

The Royal College of General Practitioners runs the scheme in partnership with NHS England.

Find out more on the Royal College of General Practitioners website.

Armed Forces Patient Charter

Fill in the form to request a veteran health check.

 

Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Accreditation

At our practice, we are proud to support and provide care for veterans of the UK Armed Forces.

We understand the unique challenges and health needs that veterans may face, and we are committed to offering the highest level of care and support. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the healthcare system and ensure you receive the best possible treatment.

How to Get the Most from Your GP

Register Early

It is important to register with a GP before you need treatment. Visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk to find details of GP practices in your local area.

Transfer Your Medical Records

If you’ve recently left the forces, give your GP the paperwork that your military medical centre provided, including any medical records. This helps ensure your military health record transfers to your NHS health record, providing your GP with essential information about your health and ongoing care needs.

Inform Your GP of Your Service

Regardless of when you left the military, inform your GP that you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces. This helps your GP understand any military-related health conditions and ensures you are referred to dedicated services for veterans, such as:

  • Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
  • The Veterans Trauma Network

These services offer specialist care and support from professionals who understand military life and its challenges.

Access Armed Forces Charities

With your agreement, your doctor may refer you to Armed Forces charities like SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, or Help for Heroes. These organisations can offer significant help and support, even if they do not provide healthcare directly.

Confidentiality Assurance

You may be concerned about sharing information about your time in the Armed Forces. Rest assured, the NHS is bound by a confidentiality code of practice. GPs, nurses, and other NHS workers deliver a confidential service bound by law.

For more information, speak to your GP or visit the NHS website on Armed Forces Health.

Additionally, you can view the RCGP Patient Charter to understand your rights and responsibilities as a patient.

Date published: 20th September, 2023
Date last updated: 3rd July, 2024