Notts Healthcare recognised for continued support for local veterans
Nottinghamshire Healthcare is delighted to continue to be recognised as a Veteran Aware organisation after having our one-year review approved by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
This highlights our commitment to recognise, understand, and meet the specific needs of the Armed Forces community.
Since achieving Veteran Aware accreditation in 2022, the Trust has significantly strengthened its support for veterans and the Armed Forces Community (AFC). A well-established Armed Forces network, has embedded Veteran Aware principles across the organisation through strong leadership, visible promotion, and staff engagement.
The Trust is improving the identification of veterans by updating patient record systems to ask whether patients or their immediate family members have ever served in the UK Armed Forces. This aligns with the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) Ask Campaign, helping ensure veterans are identified early and receive appropriate care and support.
Support is delivered through a growing network of 12 Armed Forces Service Champions, who provide advice, signposting, and advocacy across services. The Trust plans to expand this network through dedicated training and ongoing Champion Quarterly Connect sessions. Comprehensive staff education is also being rolled out, including VCHA training modules, clinical information packages, and leadership training to improve awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant, legal obligations, and the specific needs of the Armed Forces Community.
Jennifer Guiver, Executive Director of People and Culture said:
"We are incredibly proud to continue to be recognised as a Veteran Aware organisation. This reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families receive the understanding, support and care they deserve whenever they access our services.
I would like to thank all of our Armed Forces Champions and colleagues whose passion and dedication have made this achievement possible. Together, they are helping to ensure that the Armed Forces community feels recognised, valued and supported across every part of our organisation."
The Trust has developed strong partnerships with organisations such as Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) and Supporting the Wounded Veterans, enhancing signposting and access to specialist support. An up-to-date Armed Forces intranet page provides colleagues with resources, Service Champion contacts, and information on external services.
The Trust also promotes inclusion and recognition through Armed Forces Week activities, Remembrance events, patient engagement opportunities, and dedicated memorial benches at Highbury Hospital and Blossomwood. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the Trust's ongoing commitment to providing veteran-aware, inclusive care and fostering a supportive environment for veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and their families.
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