New initiative focusing on veterans' health released to coincide with VE Day 80

Veterans and their families are to receive improved and targeted healthcare, the Government has revealed, as the UK continues to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

NHS staff will go through a new training programme to make sure that they understand the requirements for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Health practitioners will be given the skills to help them identify and aid patients with military backgrounds, the Department of Health and Social Care has said.

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GPs, doctors and nurses will work with regional trainers to ensure they embed this training into their services.

Veteran Minister Al Carns said that veterans merit "nothing less than the best" healthcare for all their challenges.

"Our veterans have served this country with distinction, and they deserve healthcare that recognises their unique needs and experiences," he said.

"I urge all service leavers to tell their GP they've served – this simple step helps them better understand any service-related health issues."

He added: "We owe our veterans nothing less than the best, and today's announcement is an important step forward from a government determined to renew our nation's contract with those who have served."

Ex-service personnel may need specialised care for injuries in combat and mental health support services for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

They may find it difficult to get to grips with the civilian health systems. They may not identify themselves as a veteran to NHS staff, meaning they may miss out on additional services and unique services that are already available.

This initiative, which will run for three years at a cost of £1.8m, will be rolled out across the country from October 2025.

Last month, every NHS Trust in England became "veteran aware", which means they have been recognised for demonstrating their understanding of military healthcare needs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said many veterans face problems when engaging with the NHS and other health services.

"Too many veterans face a system that doesn't fully understand their needs – that changes today," he said.

"This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our veterans the personalised care they deserve."

The announcement comes after the Government invested £50m in a new UK-wide veteran support system called Valour.