Royal Star & Garter’s Surbiton Home has gained ‘Veteran Aware’ status – meaning all three of the charity’s care homes have now received VCHA accreditation.
It has been formally recognised 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 in England based on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The VCHA 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. The evidence suggested that members of the Armed Forces received variable levels of care across the country, once they and their families leave the Armed Forces.
The VCHA programme is also piloting the Veteran Aware accreditation of both the independent sector and hospices as part of a widening scope exercise.
The award means that Royal Star & Garter’s Surbiton Home has signed up to the ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a guarantee by the nation that those who serve, or who have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is a promise by the nation that says that those who serve, or who have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated fairly.
Royal Star & Garter provides award-winning care for veterans and their partners. Its Solihull home was the first care home in England to be accredited through this programme. Its High Wycombe home was accredited in December last year.
Andy Cole OBE, Chief Executive, Royal Star & Garter said: “We are delighted that our Home in Surbiton is now the third and final one to achieve Veterans Aware status. Our Homes remain an active part of the local military community and we are proud to share best practice as part of our ongoing commitment to veterans and their families.”
Tony Armstrong, the VCHA’s Widening Scope (Projects) Lead said: “With Royal Star & Garter Surbiton having become accredited, the charity can truly say that it is a veteran-friendly organisation.
“Working with the local team I have come to see how dedicated they are in providing Veteran Aware care. It is fantastic to have a trio of Royal Start & Garter Homes now Veteran Aware accredited and has been a pleasure to work with them all.
“We know that there are around 2,600 veterans in Kingston upon Thames, which is about two per cent of the overall population in the borough so this shows that there is a strong connection to the Armed Forces in the area.”
The Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is committed to improving Armed Forces and Veteran care whilst raising standards for all. A total of 136 NHS providers in England are now Veteran Aware accredited, and the VCHA aims to have all Trusts in England accredited by March 2024 at the latest.
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