Veteran Friendly Practice Accreditation

Beech Tree Surgery are a registered Veteran Friendly GP Practice. This means that as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have a dedicated Clinical Lead who has specialist knowledge of military related health conditions and veteran specific health services. This helps ex-forces to get the best care and treatment.

If you are ex-forces, please let your nurse or GP know to help ensure that you are getting the best possible care.

Vet

What is a Veteran?

A veteran is anyone who has served in the British Armed Forces, either Regular or Reserve, for at least one day. This also includes members of the Merchant Marine who served in recognised war zones, from the World War Two convoys to more recent operations such as the Falklands and the Gulf Wars.

There are around 4.5 million veterans in the United Kingdom. Each year, about 18,000 people leave the Armed Forces and return to civilian life. While most have health levels similar to the general population, around 2,000 leave for medical reasons, often due to issues with the back, knees, hearing or mental health.

We are proud to support the veteran community and the contribution they continue to make.

What does this mean?

When servicemen and women leave the Armed Forces, their healthcare becomes the responsibility of the NHS. All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care for any condition that is related to their service, whether or not they receive a war pension.

Veterans are encouraged to tell their GP about their veteran status so they can receive priority treatment where appropriate. Health concerns for veterans can appear in many different ways, and early support can make a real difference.

Healthcare for the armed forces community

5 Top Tips for Veterans
  1. Register with a GP early
    Do not wait until you need treatment. Use the NHS website to find GP practices in your area.

  2. Provide your military medical documents
    If you have recently left the Armed Forces, give your GP the paperwork and medical records from your military medical centre so your military health information transfers to your NHS record.

  3. Tell your GP you have served
    Let your GP know you are a veteran, no matter when you left the military. This helps them understand any service related conditions and refer you to specialist services such as Op COURAGE and the Veterans Trauma Network.

  4. Use services that understand military life
    These services allow you to speak with people experienced in supporting the Armed Forces community. They work with NHS teams, charities and other organisations to make sure you get the right care and wider support.

  5. Remember your information is confidential
    If you are unsure about sharing details of your service, be assured that the NHS follows strict confidentiality rules and all staff are legally required to keep your information private.
Information:

There are a number of charities and organisations that provide support to veterans and their families. Find this on our Support Page.

Page last reviewed: 28 November 2025
Page created: 12 August 2024