Expanded NHS services for veterans

Part of the long term plan for the NHS will include an effort to ensure that thousands more veterans who struggle with civilian life benefit from new and expanded NHS services.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens announced that a new dedicated crisis service will provide intensive support to scores of the most vulnerable former soldiers, sailors and air men and women battling alcohol, drugs and mental health problems, in a bid to boost mental health support.

With plans receiving £10 million of investment, NHS England also announced that the health service will expand the new ‘Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service’ (TILS) and roll out veteran-friendly GP surgeries and hospitals. The TILS has already helped almost 5,000 ex-service personnel and their families with the move back to civvy street since it was launched in April 2017.

As there are roughly 2.6 million veterans living in the UK, the intensive support will be available around the clock to help them throughout their use of NHS services and will help address rising demand for care.

Stevens said: “The NHS long term plan will ensure that the health service will be there for those who have been prepared to give their all for their country. Ramping up services will help veterans get the specialist support they need at every level, no matter which NHS service they use across the country.”

Kate Davies, director of Armed Forces at NHS England, said: “Our armed forces personnel are an immense source of pride for our county but veterans and their families remain some of our most vulnerable and increasingly need NHS support.

“As part of its long-term plan, the NHS is today stepping up its commitment to those who have courageously served our country meaning more veterans are able to get the specialist care they need, closer to home, which we know they want. The new service will be a critical lifeline to those who need it most putting veterans front and centre of future NHS services.”