Northern Lincolnshire and Goole named Veteran Aware NHS Trust

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole named Veteran Aware NHS Trust

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust have been named a Veteran Aware Trust in recognition of their work to improve NHS care for veterans, reservists, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families.

The accreditation means that they are now one of 80 UK Trusts to form the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VC HA).

Between March 2014 and March 2021, 1,710 recruits from the Yorkshire and Humber area joined the Armed Forces.

A number of roads and streets across the area are named after those who made the ultimate sacrifice for those under their protection and there are few events as well attended as the annual Armed Forces weekend hosted in both Scunthorpe and Cleethorpes each summer.

The NHS trust has committed to a number of key pledges, including:

• Ensuring that the Armed Forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’ commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

• Training relevant staff on veteran-specific culture or needs

• Making veterans, reservists and service families aware of appropriate charities or NHS services that may be beneficial to them, such as mental health services or support with financial and/ or benefit claims

• Supporting the Armed Forces as an employer

The initiative has been led by Veterans Champions and former servicemen, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, Simon Tighe and Lead Medical Examiner, Mr Gordon McAdam.

Mr Tighe, who served in the Royal Navy Submarine Service for 20 years, said: “A number of our staff – myself and Gordon included – come from a military background and know the challenges faced by veterans, serving personnel and their families.

“As a Trust, we are committed to doing all we can to provide them with the support they need, providing them with the best possible care and helping them to access specialist services where appropriate.

“We also pride ourselves on providing long-term career options for those transitioning from life in the forces to civilian life and there are many life skills that are transferrable from the military into the NHS.”