Almost all GP practices now veteran-friendly

Ninety-seven per cent of all local GP practices have been officially recognised for their work in supporting patients who are military veterans.

The Veteran Friendly GP Practice Programme is a joint initiative between the Royal College of General Practitioners and NHS England, and showcases how primary care professionals go the extra mile for people who have served their country, either at home or overseas.

Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire has one of the highest military populations in the country, with around 48,000 veterans living in the local region.

This means that for every 20 GP appointments carried out locally, at least one of the consultations will involve a patient hailing from a military background.

The response from local primary care colleagues towards the Veteran Friendly GP Practice Programme has been phenomenal, as less than two years ago, only 26 per cent on local surgeries had been formally accredited by the scheme.

To be officially recognised, practices must have a dedicated clinical lead for veterans, provide staff with relevant training opportunities and stay up-to-date with the latest research and innovations.

More information on the programme can be found online at www.armedforcesnetwork.org.