NHS workers to get extra training to help veterans and military personnel, Wes Streeting announces
NHS staff in England will be trained to give specialised care to military personnel and veterans, Wes Streeting has told LBC News.
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The Health Secretary said the two million pound project aims to make it easier for them to access more targeted treatment, including for conditions like PTSD.
Armed Forces personnel, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families, can require specialised care for physical injuries sustained in service.
They may also need mental health support for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Many veterans and their families also struggle to navigate civilian healthcare systems and may not self-identify as veterans to NHS staff, putting them at risk of missing out on the bespoke services that are already available.
Mr Streeting told LBC News: ”As we mark Remembrance Sunday, we're honouring our armed forces, not just with words, but with action. We owe so much to those who have defended and continue to defend our country. And it's only right that the Government now steps up to support them, providing the care they need and deserve.
“Our new NHS programme will train staff to identify veterans and service men and women, recognising their unique experiences.
“This is about the nation caring for those who've sustained injuries in the line of duty or experience mental ill health, such as PTSD or depression.
“This is about the nation backing our forces and making sure the NHS is there for them when they need it.”
Read more: 'UK defence not responsibility of military alone', says Armed Forces chief on Remembrance Day eve
It comes as the King prepares to lead a two-minutes' silence to mark Remembrance Day.
Defence Secretary John Healey, said: "This government will serve our veterans and our Armed Forces just as they have served us.
"These improvements to healthcare for veterans, military personnel and their families will help to ensure they can access the bespoke support and care they need and deserve.
"As we come together across the nation in Remembrance, we pay our respects to all those who have served, and we honour the contributions of our Armed Forces who safeguard the freedoms and peace we enjoy today."
Charles will take centre stage at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday, joined by other members of the royal family and senior politicians who will lay wreaths to honour the fallen.
Some 10,000 armed forces veterans will take part in the Royal British Legion’s march-past and about 20 Second World War veterans will attend, 80 years on from the conflict’s end.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This Remembrance Sunday, we pause as a nation to honour all those who have served our country.
“We reflect on the extraordinary courage of our armed forces in the world wars and subsequent conflicts, whose service secured the freedoms we cherish today."