Extension of priority treatment to Veterans
12 December 2007
Veterans have become eligible to receive priority health treatment under a new NHS directive which extends to them fast-track access for conditions which they suspect are related to their military service.
Previously, only War Pensioners were entitled to priority treatment.
In making the announcement on 23 November, Health Secretary Alan Johnson and Veterans Minister Derek Twigg said GPs and Primary Care Trusts across England will be instructed to deliver on their existing obligation to provide priority treatment to war pensioners for illnesses or injuries which led to their pension.
The Ministers additionally announced the expansion of NHS priority treatment to all veterans, whose injuries or ill-health are suspected of being due to their service.
Priority treatment does not apply to conditions which are unrelated to service, nor does it allow veterans to take precedence over civilian patients with more urgent clinical need.
Chris Simpkins, Director General, said The Royal British Legion was "delighted" with the announcement and would be co-operating with the NHS to ensure the promised health benefits are delivered.
Recent research by the Legion indicates that only 10% of war pensioners who are presently entitled to priority treatment for their Service-related condition are actually getting it under the NHS.
"This is a major gain in our campaign to Honour the Covenant, and welcome news for veterans and pensioners," said Mr. Simpkins.
"We'll be working with the NHS to improve awareness of priority treatment among health care providers and veterans and to monitor the impact of this announcement in providing actual delivery in the clinical setting,” he added. “We'll also be calling upon members of the serving and ex-Service community to hold the Government to this commitment."
More Information
The full announcement from the Department of Health
12 December - Further details on Access to Health Services for Military Veterans have been provided in a letter from the Department of Health.
Robert Lee
PR Officer, Covenant campaign
The Royal British Legion
Tel: +44 (0)20 7302 7141
email: Robert Lee
