Armed Forces Veterans Practice

Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre is a Veteran Friendly Practice.  Our lead  veteran GP is Dr Brian Taylor.

It is important to us that we meet your needs and follow the Armed Forces Covenant.  The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

Please let the surgery know if you are a Veteran.

Patient charter: our commitment to you as a veteran of the UK Armed Forces

The NHS is here to help improve your health and wellbeing and keep you mentally and physically well. It is also here to help you get better when you are ill and, when you cannot fully recover, to stay as well as you can until the end of your life.

This means that you can expect the following from our practice:

• We will ask all patients if they have served in the UK Armed Forces (as a regular or reservist). If you have, we will note this in your medical record, with your permission.
• We will ask you to share details of your time in service to help us to assess the best support and treatment for you.
• The information you share will be kept confidential and we will always speak to you before sharing this with other services you may be referred to.
• You can make an appointment to see our clinical lead for veteran’s health. This person has a comprehensive understanding of the Armed Forces, health conditions linked to service, and the dedicated support you can access.
• The NHS has a duty to support the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant. This means that you will get priority treatment for any medical condition which has been caused by your service, subject to the clinical needs of other patients.
• We will let you know what choices are available for your care and treatment and help you to make informed decisions on what to do.
• Where appropriate and with your consent, we can refer you to dedicated veterans health services.
• If you need to be seen by another service, we will let them know you’re a veteran and make sure they have an understanding of your health and wellbeing needs, so you don't have to keep repeating your 'personal story'.
• We can give advice and support to your loved ones who may be affected by your health conditions.
• We will investigate any issues and complaints that you may have about your care. If you have any concerns about the services we offer, please speak to one of the practice team.

NHS Op - Support for veterans, service leavers and reservists

Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, Reservists, Armed Forces veterans and their families. This service is supported by trained professionals who are from, or have experience of working with, the Armed Forces community. Patients can refer themselves, through a friend, charity or by a GP

Op FORTITUDE can be accessed by homeless veterans including those sleeping on the streets. The housing hotline, delivered by The Riverside Group, will give homeless veterans a single point of contact to get them the help they need. Veterans can access the scheme through a dedicated charity helpline (0800 9520774).

Op NOVA provides emotional and practical support to veterans at all points of the justice system in England, including pre-arrest, arrest, post-arrest and those serving a custodial sentence. The prime objective is to provide a single support pathway for veterans to move away from the justice system. Veterans are supported on an individual basis, empowering them to engage and access specialist support services. Op NOVA receives referrals from the Police, the NHS Liaison and Diversion teams, the Prison and Probation service and NHS Reconnect (for veterans before they leave prison). Op NOVA is open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 2pm Saturday, their freephone contact number is 0800 9177299.

Op PROSPER is an Office for Veterans’ Affairs programme empowering veterans and their families the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, enabling them to thrive in society by ensuring equal access to employment opportunities and supporting them into sustainable, valuable careers. The programme mobilises the business community to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within sectors, ensuring they become more ‘veteran friendly’, while also creating tailored pathways for veterans into positions of employment. Call the Veteran Support Team for further information on 0121 262 3058.

Op RESTORE is an NHS service that supports individuals who have served in, or are leaving the UK Armed Forces, and have continuing physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the Armed Forces. Referrals need to come from the veteran’s GP by emailing imperial.oprestore@nhs.net.

Op STERLING is a working in partnership with Fighting With Pride, and Age UK delivering a programme to help older LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families. The Operation Sterling programme provides telephone-based support, advice and casework to older LGBT+ veterans through Age UK’s Advice Line. The existing expertise of Age UK’s Advice Line advisors and the knowledge that Fighting With Pride has about how best to support the well-being of LGBT+ veterans means that Operation Sterling can support older LGBT+ veterans in many ways. Access to support is via an online enquiry form.

Veterans Gateway

The Veterans Gateway provides a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support.

There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be tricky.  The Veterans Gateway makes it quick and easy by being your first point of contact for whatever support you need, whether you are based in the UK or abroad.

Many of their team are veterans themselves so they understand the issues that people face after leaving the Armed Forces.  They work with people on a one-to-one basis, connecting them with the right support as soon as possible.  Their contact number is 0808 802 1212.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity

Once a Marine, Always a Marine. The Royal Marines Charity offering help to serving Marines and Veterans.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

SSAFA

The Devon Branch of SSAFA, who provide lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the British Armed Forces.  Their contact number is 0800 731 4880.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion are locally based and can be contacted on 0808 802 8080.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Togetherall

Togetherall is a free online mental health resource.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Mental Health

A service supporting veterans who are concerned about their mental health. 

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Physical Injuries

Op RESTORE provides care and treatment to those who have been injured during their time in the armed forces.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Samaritans Veterans App

Samaritans Veterans is a free app that can provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE

Veterans UK

Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence and provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.  Visit the website for more information.

Defence Discount Card

Both veterans and members of the Armed Forces Community may apply to the Defence Discount Service for a Defence Privilege Card. Holders are entitled to discounts online and on the high street from companies supporting the covenant.  Visit their website to apply.