The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has described its gaining of Veteran Aware accreditation today as proof of its commitment to providing respectful and responsive care that meets people’s needs.
The Trust became the 121st NHS provider to receive this status in recognition of its commitment in improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families.
The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) oversees the accreditation process. Accreditation acknowledges the Trust’s commitment to a number of key pledges including equal care for the armed forces community, training staff on veteran-specific culture or needs, supporting veterans and service families and providing advice and signposting them to other organisations for financial or mental health support.
Professor Tim Briggs CBE, NHS National Director for Clinical Improvement in NHS England, VCHA National Lead and Honorary Colonel of 202 Midlands Field Hospital, said:
“Veteran Aware accreditation means that Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has made a huge commitment to the service men and women of this country. They should be very proud of the efforts they’ve made; I know I am. Thank you for the work you’ve all put in, despite the undoubted pressures I know every NHS trust is under at the moment. Welcoming them into the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance is a major step towards our aim of ensuring every NHS trust in the country is Veteran Aware.”
Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said the experience of gaining accreditation had allowed staff to tap into resources and networks to tailor healthcare to meet people’s needs.
Deputy Chief Nurse and Veteran Aware Champion Dyad, Cindy Storer, said:
“We know that health and wellbeing outcomes are improved when working in partnership with our patients. I’m really pleased to have achieved our Veteran Aware accreditation, which shows our commitment to focusing on providing care that is respectful and responsive to people’s needs.”
