The UK government has announced a £1.8 million investment to improve NHS support for veterans, service personnel and their families.
The funding, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, will back a national training programme aimed at equipping NHS staff to better understand and respond to the specific health needs of the armed forces community.
The initiative forms part of the government’s wider “Plan for Change” and will see regional trainers working with GPs, nurses, and mental health services to embed military awareness across the NHS.
The training will help frontline staff identify veterans – many of whom may not disclose their service – and guide them toward appropriate, tailored support.
Unique health challenges
Veterans often face unique challenges, including long-term physical injuries and conditions such as PTSD. Navigating civilian health services can also be difficult, and many veterans may miss out on services already available to them. The new programme aims to improve both access and outcomes by making military awareness a standard part of NHS training and commissioning.
Commitment to improve
Minister for Veterans Al Carns said the funding marks a move from “words to action,” adding that this is part of a renewed national commitment to those who have served.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this, stating that “too many veterans face a system that doesn’t fully understand their needs – that changes today.”
The announcement builds on the existing “Veteran Aware” accreditation, now held by all NHS trusts, and follows the creation of VALOUR, a £50 million national support network launched earlier this year to streamline access to specialist services.
With additional investment in GPs and ongoing efforts to cut NHS waiting lists, the government aims to ensure that no veteran is left behind. This latest initiative sends a strong message: support for the armed forces continues long after service ends.
