A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for at least one day, and there are around 4.5m veterans in the UK.
When servicemen and women leave the armed forces, their healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS.
All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS hospital care for any condition, as long as it’s related to their service, whether or not they receive a war pension.
All people leaving the armed forces are given a summary of their medical records, which they are advised to give to their new GP when they register.
Veterans are encouraged to tell their GP about their veteran status in order to benefit from priority treatment.
A minority of people leaving the armed forces need access to mental health services; others might require it later in civilian life.
Mental Health – Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Programme
Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Program provides mental health examinations for all veterans with operational service since 1982 (including veterans of the Falklands Conflict).
The VRMHP is located at Dept. of Community Mental Health, Chilwell, Chetwind, Nottingham NG9 5HA. The facility is headed by a Consultant Psychiatrist with access to a wide range of military experience and knowledge of military health matters within the Ministry of Defence. Veterans with operational service since 1982 who feel they would benefit from seeing the MAP Consultant should seek a referral via their General Practitioner.
What is the purpose of the VRMHP?
The MAP investigates patients’ mental health concerns and, so far as possible, it provides a diagnosis if the veteran has a mental health disorder, and recommends appropriate management if required. Advice will also be provided on the extensive support network that is available to veterans and their families in the UK.
