At The Bay Medical Practice, we are proud to be an accredited Veteran Friendly Practice, committed to providing specialist care and support to veterans and members of the Armed Forces community. We recognise the unique health challenges that veterans may face and aim to ensure that they receive the best possible care tailored to their needs.

What is a Veteran Friendly Practice?

Being a Veteran Friendly Practice means that we:

• Have a dedicated clinical lead for veterans who is trained to understand the specific health needs of former military personnel.
• Identify and record veteran status in medical records to ensure veterans receive appropriate care and access to specialist NHS services.
• Signpost veterans and their families to specialist support organisations for mental and physical health, social care, and employment assistance.
• Follow the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures that veterans are not disadvantaged due to their military service.

Who is a Veteran?

A veteran is anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces, including the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force (Regular or Reserve). Veterans may have served in different capacities, including during conflicts, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian operations.

How We Support Veterans

We understand that military service can have lasting effects on health and wellbeing. Some of the key areas where we provide support include:

• Mental Health and PTSD – Access to specialist mental health support, including NHS Op COURAGE, a dedicated mental health service for veterans.
• Physical Health Conditions – Management of service-related injuries, long-term conditions, and rehabilitation services.
• Access to Priority Treatment – Where a health condition is directly related to military service, veterans may be eligible for priority treatment within the NHS.
• Signposting to Specialist Services – Helping veterans access dedicated organisations such as Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion, and SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity).

How to Let Us Know You Are a Veteran

If you are a veteran, please inform our reception team or your GP. This will allow us to record your veteran status on your medical record and ensure you receive the most appropriate care. If you are unsure whether your status has been recorded, you can ask us to check.

Useful Support Services for Veterans

There are many organisations dedicated to supporting veterans. Below are some key resources:

• Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
  Provides mental health support for veterans, including therapy, counselling, and crisis care.
  Website: www.nhs.uk/opcourage

• Combat Stress
  A leading charity providing mental health support for veterans with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  Website: www.combatstress.org.uk

• Help for Heroes
  Offers rehabilitation, financial support, and employment assistance for wounded, injured, and sick veterans.
  Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

• The Royal British Legion
  Provides financial, social, and emotional support to veterans and their families.
  Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

• SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
  Supports veterans and their families with housing, employment, and mental health services.
  Website: www.ssafa.org.uk

Contact Us

If you are a veteran and would like to discuss any aspect of your healthcare, please speak to our Veteran Clinical Lead or contact our reception team.

At The Bay Medical Practice, we are dedicated to ensuring that those who have served receive the care and support they deserve. Please let us know if you are a veteran so that we can provide the best possible care for you.