Grove Road Surgery MILITARY VETERANS TREATMENT PRIORITY PROTOCOL INTRODUCTION. In June 1997 the NHS published guidelines relating to the priority treatment of war pensioners, and this was updated in December 2007. From 1st January 2008 all service veterans should receive priority access to NHS care for any condition which is likely to relate to their military service. This is also subject to fair treatment of all other patients based on clinical needs. The purpose of this protocol is to raise awareness of the requirements in relation to veterans and to summarise the DoH guidance on the subject. Many conditions do not become obvious until after a veteran has left military service, therefore all GPs should be aware of the government wish to prioritise care of this nature and consider the military aspects of a condition when diagnosing and referring to secondary care. Most Frequent Conditions. Audiology noise induced hearing loss. There has been a lack of compensation in – the past and little understanding in relating to this problem. It is possible therefore that cases may present now which have been symptomatic for some time. Mental Health may present some after military discharge. – Orthopaedic may arise some time after discharge but be related to in-service – activity. Required Action Where a known veteran is referred check with the patient that they are willing for the referral to show that they are a service veteran. Where consent is given by the patient the referral can state they are a veteran, and the clinician should give a clinical opinion within the referral as to whether the condition ( or request for further investigation ) is likely to relate to the period of military service.
Grove Road Surgery MILITARY VETERANS TREATMENT PRIORITY PROTOCOL INTRODUCTION. In June 1997 the NHS published guidelines relating to the priority treatment of war pensioners, and this was updated in December 2007. From 1st January 2008 all service veterans should receive priority access to NHS care for any condition which is likely to relate to their military service. This is also subject to fair treatment of all other patients based on clinical needs. The purpose of this protocol is to raise awareness of the requirements in relation to veterans and to summarise the DoH guidance on the subject. Many conditions do not become obvious until after a veteran has left military service, therefore all GPs should be aware of the government wish to prioritise care of this nature and consider the military aspects of a condition when diagnosing and referring to secondary care. Most Frequent Conditions. Audiology – noise induced hearing loss. There has been a lack of compensation in the past and little understanding in relating to this problem. It is possible therefore that cases may present now which have been symptomatic for some time. Mental Health – may present some after military discharge. Orthopaedic – may arise some time after discharge but be related to in-service activity. Required Action Where a known veteran is referred check with the patient that they are willing for the referral to show that they are a service veteran. Where consent is given by the patient the referral can state they are a veteran, and the clinician should give a clinical opinion within the referral as to whether the condition ( or request for further investigation ) is likely to relate to the period of military service.
Military%20Veterans%20Treatment%20Priority%20Protocol.docx