Mid Yorks successfully achieves Veteran Aware re-accreditation

3 of the Armed Forces champions stood outside Trust Headquarters at Pinderfields, holding the veteran aware certificate

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is delighted to announce that it has successfully been re-accredited for Veteran Aware status.

The achievement is particularly timely with Armed Forces Day taking place on Saturday 27th June, a day where we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of the Armed Forces community.

Following the Trust’s initial accreditation in 2019, it has continued its commitment to improving hospital care and supporting the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists and their families. The Trust’s approach reflects a simple principle: that those who have served our country should be recognised, valued and supported at every stage of their healthcare journey.

To achieve re-accreditation, the Trust was required to provide evidence against eight key standards. These include having dedicated Armed Forces champions, mechanisms for identifying patients from the Armed Forces community to ensure they receive appropriate care, and training staff to understand their specific needs.

The Trust employs a significant number of former military personnel, including veterans and reservists, many of whom continue to serve. They are actively involved in helping to ensure the Trust serves the military community effectively. Staff are trained to understand the needs of veterans and Armed Forces families and to ensure patients are supported with appropriate care, including access to specialist veteran services where required.

Marc Smith, Deputy Director of Operations and Armed Forces Champion said, "Our reaccreditation as Veteran Aware is particularly meaningful, as Armed Forces Day falls this weekend. Supporting veterans and the wider Armed Forces community reflects our commitment to understanding and responding to the unique experiences they bring. I’d like to acknowledge colleagues involved in the process, including Major Jason Eyre, Martin Hey and Joanne Duncan, who have helped shape and drive forward the Veteran Aware programme."

The accreditation process was overseen by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), an NHS group of healthcare providers working to ensure that the Armed Forces community faces no disadvantage when accessing care.

In addition to the NHS Veteran Aware accreditation, the Trust also holds a Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and formally re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in March.