A veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for at least one day. There are around 2.6 million veterans in the UK.
It is highly important for continuing healthcare that you register with an NHS GP and remember to tell them you've served.
When you leave the forces, you should be given the option of receiving your medical records for you to pass on to the GP Practice. Alternatively, you will be asked to complete the Military Medical Record Request Form (see below link), which should be handed in when you register with a practice for them to request your records from the military.
https://www.bostonpcn.co.uk/application/files/9817/1379/5493/Ministry-of-Defence-Request-for-Records.pdf
Requests for military medical records can take up to 6 months to receive your notes so its advised that you get copies of your records before you leave so these can be merged these with your NHS records. When servicemen and women leave the armed forces, their healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS. You shouldn't be disadvantaged from accessing appropriate health services, so it is important that you notify your current GP that you are moving, particularly if you are on a waiting list for medical treatment, so that this information can be transferred across.
All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS care (including hospital, primary or community care) for conditions associated to their time within the armed forces (service-related). However this is always subject to clinical need and does not entitle you to jump the queue ahead of someone with a higher clinical need.
When you register with our surgery please let us know that you are a veteran so that we can code your record. We will then ensure appropriate referrals are noted with your status as a military veteran, so that you may receive priority access, should this be appropriate.
