NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight signs Armed Forces Covenant

The health organisation signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to fair treatment for all those who serve or have served and their loved ones.

The region has the highest number of veterans, armed forces personnel and their families in the country, and all NHS trusts in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and many GP practices have received 'Veteran Friendly' accreditation.

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Ms MacIsaac and Ms Samuels  signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight public board meeting (Image: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight) This means frontline staff are trained to understand the specific needs of veterans and their families, and can signpost them to relevant support services.

Maggie MacIsaac, chief executive of NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "By signing the covenant, we are building on the work we have done to date to remove the disadvantages members of the armed forces can face when seeking NHS care and treatment."

Lena Samuels, chair of NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "Ahead of Remembrance Day, it is important to recognise the sacrifice that members of the armed forces and their families make, and what we can do in return to ensure their healthcare needs are recognised."

Ms MacIsaac and Ms Samuels signed the Armed Forces Covenant on Wednesday, November 6, at the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight public board meeting.