The Hidden Veteran: A Barrier to Effective Care

Under the NHS Covenant, military veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care, with specialised veteran support provided through the NHS initiative Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

Increasingly, we have observed instances where individuals who come into contact with mental health services are not identified as veterans during initial contact, which creates challenges in accessing the appropriate services and support, preventing the delivery of the most effective treatment and care.

This is an issue that is particularly prevalent for those detained under the Mental Health Act, or for patients who have been placed in hospitals outside of their local area.

Improving Veteran Wellbeing with Community Partnerships

Heatherwood Court has taken proactive steps to address this by identifying veterans at the point of admission and connecting those patients with a local veterans’ group in the local area.

The group offers non-judgemental, peer-led support for veterans and has been welcoming to both patients and staff, including those who may need to escort patients to sessions.

This connection has proven beneficial, helping patients build a strong social network, reduce their social anxiety, and boost their self-esteem. As a result, patients have shown improved engagement with their recovery programmes, which has contributed positively towards reducing length of stay.

Heatherwood Court aims to provide patients with additional support to establish similar connections in their local area upon discharge, which will further support their mental wellbeing, connection to their community, and help reduce the risk of relapse.