Trust reaccredited as Veteran Aware

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) has received approval of its Veteran Aware Accreditation for a further three years,  endorsing its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, and members of the armed forces and their families.

The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VC HA), acknowledges a number of key pledges UHD has made, including: 

  • Ensuring that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s 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 beneficial to them, such as mental health services or support with financial and/or benefit claims.

  • Supporting the armed forces as an employee.

The Trust was first presented with a Veteran Aware plaque by John Young,  Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, at a ceremony held at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in 2021. 

Rob Horby, Armed Forces Community Advocate at UHD, said: “The Armed Forces Support Group and I are tremendously proud that University Hospitals Dorset has gained reaccreditation for the Veteran Aware Scheme. 

“This reflects UHD’s commitment to deliver the best healthcare and support to veterans and their families. Since receiving the Veterans Aware accreditation in November’21, UHD has continued to ensure patients and colleagues from the armed forces community are not disadvantaged when accessing healthcare at UHD, ensuring they receive the appropriate support as required.”

“We are looking forward to the year ahead and continuing with our hard work to support the armed forces community.”