Over Half of England's Ex-Servicemen and Women Grapple with Health Issues, Study Shows

An article in The Guardian has highlighted that a majority of former soldiers in England are battling health challenges after their military service, with many wary of seeking professional assistance.

The article draws on a recent study which involved 4,910 former military personnel and was undertaken by the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) in partnership with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA). Their research indicated that 55% of participants are grappling with health issues potentially linked to their time in the forces. Upon returning to civilian life, over 80% have seen their health deteriorate.

A notable 14% of those surveyed have refrained from consulting healthcare providers. The tendency to cope independently, coupled with concerns about civilian health professionals' ability to empathise with their military background, were cited as primary barriers.

A telling 63% of the veterans expressed that they would be more inclined to seek help if they had the assurance that their GP practice was a participant in the Veteran Friendly Accreditation scheme.

Currently, over 3,000 GP practices out of England's 6,313 have received accreditation, spurring the RCGP, alongside NHS England and the OVA, to initiate a campaign to increase enrolment in the accreditation programme.

The scheme provides a straightforward mechanism for GP practices to identify and comprehend the unique needs of veterans, offering them support and, if necessary, directing them to specialised services dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of ex-servicemen and women.

Jon Lynn, a veteran patient at Orchard Surgery in Bromborough, Wirral, shared his personal journey, detailing the struggle with his mental and physical health following his military discharge. It was only after reaching out to his GP and discussing his military service that he received rapid referrals to veteran-specific healthcare services.

His subsequent diagnosis of PTSD and the subsequent support he received underscored the lifesaving and relationship-saving impact of having access to a veteran-friendly accredited GP practice.

Lynn's story underscores the potential life-changing benefits that accreditation could hold for numerous veterans who are privately enduring health complications.

Johnny Mercer, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, emphasised that first-rate healthcare is a cornerstone in making the UK the premier nation for veterans to reside in. He encouraged GP practices to obtain accreditation, stressing that this straightforward action could boost veterans' willingness to engage with their GP and disclose their service history, thereby ensuring they receive appropriate care. This includes entry to veteran-specific NHS health services such as Op Courage.

The findings from this survey underline the pressing need for enhanced support structures within the healthcare system for England's veterans. With the drive to expand the Veteran Friendly Accreditation scheme, there is hope for improved access to tailored healthcare services that could significantly improve the lives of those who have served their country.