Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has been formally recognised as ‘Veteran Aware’ by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), a group of NHS healthcare providers in England committed to providing the best standards of care for the Armed Forces community, based on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve, or who have served, in the Armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The aim is to develop, share and drive the implementation of best practice that will improve armed forces veterans’ care, while at the same time raising standards for everyone across the NHS.
Victoria Robinson-Collins, Chief People Officer said: “We are delighted to join the 153 other trusts who have committed to supporting our armed forces community as colleagues and as patients.
“This is an important step in our journey to reducing barriers to care. By working together, we have started to improve access to our services and increased the support we provide to our military family colleagues.
“With each member of our armed forces community bringing with them unique talents and experience, we know we have a vast community we can learn from and we look forward to continuing this journey with them.”
Speaking about the achievement, Professor Tim Briggs, CBE, said: “I am extremely proud to announce Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust has demonstrated continuous improvement in how they care for the Armed Forces community. It is only right that people who have given so much, receive the same treatment as everyone else. By recognising the unique situation and issues faced by the Armed Forces community, we can continue in the right direction to ensuring this group does not face unwarranted variation in the care they receive.”
VCHA Regional Lead Anna-Marie Tipping said: “Having worked closely with the Trust over the past months, I have been struck by the unwavering dedication to ensure that no disadvantage comes to their patients, staff or community. I am particularly impressed by the high numbers of trained Armed Forces Champions. These Champions can act as subject-matter experts, and will also help to support veterans and their families as they enter services”
The Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is committed to improving Armed Forces and Veteran care whilst raising standards for all. A total of 153 NHS providers in England are now Veteran Aware accredited, and the VCHA aims to have all Trusts in England accredited by March 2023 at the latest. Find out more about our work and about Rehabilitation by clicking here.
