Westongrove – A Veteran Friendly Practice
We are proud to be Veteran Friendly Accredited, recognising that veterans have unique health needs. Whether you served in the UK Armed Forces we are here to support you with respect, understanding, and access to the services you deserve.
Who counts as a veteran?
You are a veteran (or “ex-service personnel”) if you have served in the UK Armed Forces – Regular or Reserve. This includes the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, and Merchant Navy. It doesn’t matter how long ago you served.
What you can expect from us
At Westongrove, being a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice means we:
- Maintain confidentiality: your service history is shared only with your consent.
- Ask new patients (and you, any time you visit) whether you have served in the Armed Forces, or care for someone who has, so we can record this in your notes.
- Have a designated Veteran Health Lead—someone trained and up-to-date with evidence about the health needs of veterans.
- Provide care that takes into account any physical or mental health issues linked to your service.
- Support you with referrals to specialist veteran services when needed.
How you can help us support you
- Tell us if you are a veteran or a reservist
- Share any Armed Forces medical records you may have.
- Let us know about health issues linked to your service — such as injuries, trauma, or long-term conditions.
Veteran-specific NHS services
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service
Specialist NHS mental health service for veterans, reservists, and families. Help with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and transition support.
Op RESTORE: Veterans Physical Health & Wellbeing Service
NHS service for veterans with physical health conditions caused by military service.
NHS Armed Forces Community
Guidance for veterans, service leavers, and reservists on accessing NHS care.
Charities & further support
Veterans’ Gateway — 24/7 support for housing, finances, employment, and wellbeing.
Combat Stress — mental health charity for veterans, including PTSD and trauma support.
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity — welfare and practical support for veterans and families.
Help for Heroes — rehabilitation and recovery support.
NHS Armed Forces Community – Charities & Support — directory of additional charities working with the NHS.
Why this matters
We know that many veterans do not seek help because they’re worried they won’t be understood. By being veteran-friendly, we aim to:
- Improve your access to the right health care sooner
- Reduce the need to repeat your “story” to different people
- Ensure you get services that are tailored for challenges that sometimes come with service life