Many of us leave the Services with long-term injuries; mostly physical, but sometimes psychological. And the system in civilian life is much more complicated than turning up to sick parade and then doing as you are told. But while it often takes much longer than we have been used to, it doesn’t need to because the NHS has promised to fast-track Veterans with service-related conditions.
The first thing you will need to do when you leave the Services is find a GP; you will find most GPs in Scotland in this section. If you don't currently have a doctor, use the GP locator to find one in your area.
Apart from the NHS, there are many Veteran-focussed charities ready to help, so make use of them if you need to. You will find their details here too, so please explore this section; it has a lot to offer.
Under long-standing arrangements since 1953, war pensioners were given priority NHS treatment for the conditions for which the received a war pension or gratuity, unless there was an emergency case or another case that demanded clinical priority. Recognition of the unique obligations and sacrifices made by those who have served continues to exist.
Under the terms of the Armed Forces Covenant, veterans should face no disadvantage when accessing NHS treatment as a result of military service, compared with the civilian population. Special consideration may be appropriate for those with conditions related to service.
Further information is available via the link Here
They have drop-in centres across Scotland. Find your nearest centre.
Phone: 0131 221 7090
Email: V1P.Scotland@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Phone: 0800 138 1619
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
The National Prosthetics Service (NPS) is Scotland's centre for designing and fitting prosthetic (artificial) limbs. If you've lost a limb due to your service in the armed forces and were not fitted with a prosthetic at that time, you can discuss a referral to the NPS with your local GP.
– Medical Director
Tel: 0131 465 5812 Email: Charles.Swainson@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Waverley Gate , 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG
– Medical Director
Tel: 0131 465 5812 Email: Charles.Swainson@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Waverley Gate , 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG
– Medical Director
Tel: 0131 465 5812 Email: Charles.Swainson@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Waverley Gate , 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG
Tel: 0156 3522411 Fax: 0156 3545499 Email: admin@portlandmedicalpractice.co.uk
Protland Medical Practice , 34 Portland Road KA1 2DL
Tel: 0845 0217873 Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Meadow Cottage , Poundfield Road, Chalvington,, Sussex BN27 3TH
Tel: 0845 0217873 Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Meadow Cottage , Poundfield Road, Chalvington,, Sussex BN27 3TH
PTSD Resolution, Charity No. 1133188, provides therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and now by phone and internet during the pandemic. Contact www.PTSDreslution.org.
Therapy is delivered in an average of six sessions, with 78% of cases seeing an improvement in reported symptoms to where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is required.
The charity is one of the only organisations that provides therapy to veterans who are also suffering with addiction issues or are in prison. Services are also delivered to family members, including partners and children, who may experience the symptoms of trauma from living with a traumatised veteran.
Tel: 0150 5321733
Linden Medical Practice , 25 Floors Street, Johnstone PA5 8PZ