Support to the Armed Forces and Veterans

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust supports the Armed Forces by having friendly policies in hiring and healthcare services. We recognize and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community to protect our country. 

We also realise our responsibility to ensure that they do not face any disadvantages when accessing our services compared to others. 

We know that the Armed Forces community faces various challenges, and we aim to provide services and job opportunities with care and support.

We are proud to be part of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, which works to improve NHS care for veterans, reservists, and their families, and that we recently reaccredited to the nationally recognised Veteran Aware programme.

We know that the Armed Forces community faces various challenges, and we aim to provide services and job opportunities with care and support.

We are proud to be part of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, which works to improve NHS care for veterans, reservists, and their families, and that we recently reaccredited to the nationally recognised Veteran Aware programme.

Visit the Veteran Aware programme website (new browser tab)

Support to serving Armed Forces

Medical support to the UK Armed Forces is primarily provided by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) through its Defence Medical Services (DMS), and the military medical system should be the first point of access.

This includes a range of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics who are responsible for the medical care of service personnel. In addition to the DMS, the NHS also plays a critical role by providing support and specialist services, especially for non-military related health issues and when personnel require advanced care.

Who do we mean by the Armed Forces Community?

The UK Armed Forces community includes current and former members of the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force, as well as reservists and veterans.

This also encompasses the families of those who serve or have served, recognising their unique experiences and sacrifices.

The community is supported through various programs and services aimed at addressing their specific needs and challenges.

We have an Armed Forces Lead who advocates for the community throughout our organisation. We work with local and national groups to learn from the best practices and improve as an Armed Forces-friendly Trust.

Our Services

We prioritise treatment for current and former Armed Forces members if their injury or illness is due to military service, based on clinical need, and in line with our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Your GP can recommend this, so please inform them during your referral.

Visit gov.uk to read more about Armed Forces Covenant (new browser tab)

In the case of individuals who are serving, have served, or are part of an Armed Forces family, please let our staff know that you are part of the Armed Forces community, so we can update your patient record.

If you are not eligible for priority treatment, there may be other services that can help with your care and recovery.

Armed Forces support services

Here are some of the services for the Armed Forces community, commissioned by NHS (England), and includes help for physical health, mental health, and homelessness.

Visit NHS website for veterans, service leavers, and non-mobilised reservists

Op COURAGE (The veterans mental health and wellbeing service) (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight)

Details of other Op COURAGE services in England

Op RESTORE (Musculoskeletal issues)

Op FORTITUDE (Homelessness) (commissioned by the Office for Veterans Affairs)

Visit our Liaison and Diversion Team service page

We also make sure Armed Forces families are not at a disadvantage. If you are moving for military service, please inform us, as it may affect your waiting list position.

Working for Berkshire Healthcare

We received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for our support of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families in NHS jobs.

We have a staff Armed Forces Network, a non-exclusive group, open to all our staff and aspires to have a mix of Armed Forces veterans, reservists, adult cadet volunteers, and those with a family member who once served or is still serving.

Additionally, the network welcomes those who have a general interest in the Armed Forces, as well as those who come into contact with the community on a professional basis.

We hope to provide a place for the Armed Forces community to come together and share ideas and best practice, supporting each other to make Berkshire Healthcare a great place to work.

The Armed Forces network also works with the wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion staff networks.

We support reservists by offering 10 extra days of paid leave to help them adjust after mobilisation.​

Visit gov.uk to read more about Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award (new browser tab)