Update to the NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution Handbook has recently been updated. We believe the changes to the constitution will be of interest to our Members and their families. 

"As part of this principle and in line with the Armed Forces Covenant, the NHS will ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community (including those serving, reservists, their families and veterans) are supported, treated equally and receive the same standard of, and access to healthcare as any other UK citizen in the area they live. For those with concerns about their mental health who may not present for some time after leaving Service, they should be able to access services with health professionals who have an understanding of Armed Forces culture. Veterans who have lost a limb as a result of their service will be able to access prostheses that reflect their clinical need.

Veterans receive their healthcare from the NHS and are encouraged to identify themselves to their GP as member of the Armed Forces Community. Families of serving personnel moving around the country, any time taken on an NHS treatment waiting list will be taken to account in their new location. For further information on what you can expect if in the Armed Forces Community see Section C.2 Scope of the Covenant, Healthcare. For families of serving personnel moving around the country, any time taken on an NHS treatment waiting list will be taken into account in their new location.

The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces Community. The Covenant aims to ensure that those who the Armed Forces, whether as Regular Personnel or as a Reservist, their families and those who have served in the past (veterans), should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some circumstances. The Armed Forces Covenant looks to address a wide range of issues impacting on the Armed Forces Community, including health, education, housing, care and family life. The Armed Forces Act 2011 created the requirement for an annual Armed Forces Covenant report to be made to Parliament."

- NHS Constitution Handbook, Principle 4: The patient will be at the heart of everything the NHS does, Armed Forces Covenant Section.

The NHS Constitution and its supporting Handbook has recently been updated. A significant inclusion is reference to the Armed Forces Covenant. All veterans are encouraged to identify themselves to their GP as a member of the Armed Forces Community. Veterans who have lost a limb as a result of their service are mentioned specifically. I recommend you read the extract in full. Blesma worked closely alongside the Royal British Legion in consultation with the NHS on this update; reference to the Covenant is a sound step forward and strongly welcomed

Barry Le Grys, Chief Executive

For further information on the Covenant and the Annual Report visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-armed-forces-covenant

Download the latest NHS Constitution Handbook in full here