Home Local News WWL recognised as ‘Veteran Aware’ ahead of Armistice Ceremony

WWL recognised as ‘Veteran Aware’ ahead of Armistice Ceremony

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Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised as ‘Veteran Aware’ ahead of this weekend’s Armistice Centenary.

As the nation marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has been accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’ today (Friday 9 November).

This mark of distinction means that patients who have served in the UK armed forces will be cared for by frontline staff who have received training and education on their specific needs, such as around mental health, and who can signpost them to local support services.

WWL is one of 25 NHS bodies across the UK that has received accreditation from the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance. The Alliance is made up of national bodies, including NHS Improvement, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Defence, and the Confederation of Service Charities.

Patients and visitors at WWL can expect to see posters that its services are ‘Veteran Aware’, such as in their clinics and public waiting areas, encouraging them to notify staff that they have served in the armed forces. This is to ensure that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients.

Rebecca Lyon, Deputy Director of Operations, Specialist Services at WWL said: “Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is delighted to become part of Veteran Aware Hospitals; as we strive to be an exemplar of the best care for veterans in the NHS.”

Professor Tim Briggs, National Director for Clinical Quality and Efficiency at NHS Improvement and Co-Chair of the Veterans Covenant Hospitals Alliance, said: “I applaud WWL for becoming one of the first in the country to be accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’.

“People who have served in the armed forces can often have specific and varied needs and so, we must do everything we can to ensure the NHS continues to support those who have given so much for our country.

“As we mark the Armistice centenary, we are calling on other trusts to lead by this example and apply for their accreditation so that they can guarantee they are doing the exactly same.”

There are around 2.16 million veterans in England, making up between 3 and 9% of the population.

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