NHS scheme helping veterans with long-term injuries relaunched

The Veterans Trauma Network, an NHS scheme designed to help veterans with long-term injuries as they leave the military, has been relaunched with a new name.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer visited St Mary's Hospital in London to discuss the new initiative with clinicians and veterans, as well as encourage those in need to access specialist healthcare pathways.

The newly named Op Restore is an evolution of the Veterans Trauma Network, bringing it in line with other NHS pathways such as Op Courage, which supports veterans' mental health and wellbeing, and Op Community, which links veterans to their local communities.

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Mr Mercer said: "The reason I joined this Government was to improve access to veterans' care, and I’m incredibly proud of the progress we've made over the last few years.

"We now have clear and dedicated pathways for mental and physical health, and are looking at how we can extend this support further to provide wraparound, community support.

"If you have been injured, mentally or physically, by your time in service, please contact your GP and identify yourself as a veteran so you can access the specialist treatment that’s right for you."

Op Restore will include greater provisions from military charities and combine a range of services, allowing for a more holistic approach to care.

The Government says the new name will make the scheme clearer for both clinicians and veterans, which it’s hoped will boost referrals and uptake.

Since its inception in 2016, there have been more than 740 referrals to Op Restore. In 2022-23, 97% of referrals were reviewed by multi-disciplinary teams within eight weeks. 

Op Restore national clinical director Shehan Hettiaratchy explained: "We work with military charities and closely link with Op Courage so every element of the veterans' health needs are met.

"Veterans will be seen by clinicians within the NHS who have an understanding of the challenges of military life, many having served themselves.

"If you have continuing physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to your time in the Armed Forces and think you need the help that Op Restore can give you, ask your GP to refer you and we’ll do the rest."