Armed Forces communityOur trust are proud to support the Armed Forces community among our patients and staff.https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/organisation/our-way-of-working/armed-forces-communityhttps://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/++resource++plone-logo.svg
Armed Forces community
Our trust are proud to support the Armed Forces community among our patients and staff.
Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a shared pledge across organisations based on a promise to those who protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage and commitment.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities they serve with their lives.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a Veteran Aware organisation in recognition of our commitment to improving NHS care for the armed forces community, which includes regular and reservist personnel, veterans, spouses and families.
Our Trust also holds a Gold award for the Ministry of Defence's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, meaning we support the armed forces community (veterans, Reservists, spouses and family members) as an employer.
What you can expect from us
As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the legal requirement as part of the Armed Forces Bill 2021, our Trust will ensure that:
The Armed Forces community enjoy the same standard of, and access to healthcare as that received by any other UK citizen in the area they live.
Family members retain their place on any NHS waiting list if moved around the UK due to the service person being posted.
Veterans receive priority treatment for a condition which relates to their service, subject to clinical need.
Those injured in service will be cared for in a way that reflects the nation’s moral obligation to them, by healthcare professionals who have an understanding of the Armed Forces culture.
A message from our Hospital Medical Director
“I am extraordinarily proud to be Medical Director at a Trust that has Gold accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
“As a veteran myself, I know how hard it can be for members of the Armed Forces community to adjust to civvy street and access the support they need. We are here to help, listen to, and care for our veterans, reservists, serving personnel, spouses and family members who all form part of the Armed Forces community. I would encourage all patients and staff to let us know about your Armed Forces status at the earliest opportunity so that we can help you access tailored support services.
“Thank you for your service and commitment, and we welcome you warmly to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.”
Dr Gary Davies Consultant Respiratory and Acute Medicine Physician Hospital Medical Director, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Site
