The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is proud to lead the national rollout of the ASK Campaign across all NHS Veteran Aware accredited trusts in England.
The ASK Campaign encourages healthcare staff to routinely ask every patient: “Have you, or an immediate family member, ever served in the UK Armed Forces?” Patients’ responses are recorded in the electronic patient record to ensure they receive the right care and support.
What this means for patients
Asking this simple question helps healthcare teams identify members of the Armed Forces community and their families.
It allows NHS staff to provide personalised care tailored to individual needs, recognise and address potential service-related health concerns, and connect patients with specialist Armed Forces support services.
The campaign reflects VCHA’s commitment to improving healthcare experiences for the Armed Forces community and supports NHS organisations in meeting their duties under the Armed Forces Covenant.
What NHS Veteran Aware trusts will do
NHS trusts participating in the ASK campaign will ask every patient the key question about Armed Forces service, record responses in the electronic patient record, and ensure staff are trained to provide appropriate support and information.
Trusts will also use feedback to improve care and services for the Armed Forces community.
Voices from the campaign
Bernadette Knight, Data Project Lead, said: “The ASK campaign is a simple but powerful way to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community receive the personalised care and recognition they deserve. Every conversation counts. By asking this question, we can better understand the unique experiences and needs of patients with military connections, ensuring they feel supported and valued throughout their healthcare journey. This initiative is about building trust, awareness, and connections that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Prof Tim Briggs CBE, VCHA Chair and National Lead, said: “By asking this single question at every patient contact, we can make a real difference in identifying those who have served and connecting them with vital support services. It is a key step in raising awareness across the NHS and ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community is overlooked. We want every patient to know that their service is recognised and that help is available whenever they need it.”
Get involved and find out more
For more information, visit our dedicated page on the VCHA website or email rnoh.vcha@nhs.net.
Thank you for helping ensure that members of the Armed Forces community receive the recognition, understanding, and care they deserve.
