Armed Forces Friendly

We’re an Armed Forces Veteran Friendly GP practice!

Being accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners means that a GP practice can better identify and support service leavers.

The accreditation lets us refer those who need it to dedicated and specialist NHS services, more suited for the complex needs of veterans and is crucial to respecting the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, which says “the Armed Forces community, including veterans, should face no disadvantage in accessing health services and should receive priority care for military attributable conditions, subject to clinical need“.

It also means we are better able to capture the important data needed to help improve future health provisions for veterans and can work towards reducing inequalities in healthcare for those leaving service.

A veteran is someone who has served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) for at least one day. Veterans also include any member of the Merchant Marine who has served in a war zone. This includes crew from convoys in World War 2 and more recently in the Falklands conflict and Gulf Wars.

About 18000 service people move back into civilian life every year and whilst many service leavers have similar levels of health to the general population, around 2000 leave on medical grounds. The top reasons for medical discharge are for issues relating to back, knees, mental health and hearing.

Op COURAGE

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

After serving in the Armed Forces, some people find it hard to adjust to civvy street. If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service can help.

Op COURAGE is an NHS service in England that’s been developed with people who’ve served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Every member of staff within the service is either from the Armed Forces or has experience of working with the military community. In partnership with Armed Forces charities and NHS services, the staff at Op COURAGE provide specialist care, support and treatment for those due to leave the military, reservists and those who’ve served. Since its launch in 2017, the service has helped nearly 30,000 veterans.

What does Op COURAGE offer?
Op COURAGE provides a range of specialist support and treatment, depending on the needs of the individual – there’s no ‘one size fits all’. This might include helping you to recognise and treat early signs of mental ill health, as well as providing care and support for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma.

In addition, the service provides support and treatment for a range of addictions, such as alcohol and drug misuse and gambling, and can refer you to other NHS services if needed. Op COURAGE also works with charities and local organisations to provide support for your wider health and wellbeing needs, which may include help with housing, relationships, finances and employment. We know that when someone is unwell it may affect the rest of the family, so Op COURAGE can support them access help and care too.

Who can Op COURAGE help?
Op COURAGE supports UK Armed Forces veterans living in England, as long as they have served a minimum of one full day, and regardless of how long ago they left the military. Op COURAGE also provides support to serving personnel due to leave the Armed Forces and reservists.

How do you access Op COURAGE?
You can contact Op COURAGE directly to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a family member, friend, charity or health professional to make it for you. You can also ask your GP to refer you, but you don’t have to go through your GP to get an appointment.

For details, visit nhs.uk/opcourage

Mental Health

Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families. It’s important to get help and support if you or someone you know is struggling.

How to find mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

Iraq Conflict Anniversary

20th Anniversary of the Iraq Conflict

We know we have a significant number of military veterans in Plymouth and we are conscious that some veterans might be affected by the 20th anniversary of the Iraq conflict. If you have been affected by this, please remember that help is available, that might be through your loved ones, through the surgery, via Op Courage or from another service.