Published on: 9 October 2023
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received very positive feedback in their one-year review of the Trust’s Veteran Aware accreditation by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
The VCHA accreditation process ensures that NHS healthcare providers in England are committed to providing the best standards of care for the armed forces community, based on the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Derbyshire Healthcare was described as an ‘exceptional Veteran Aware Trust’ in the report, particularly for the way their armed forces staff network has merged with another Trust to support their staff.
The VCHA report concluded that the Trust ‘sets the bar very high’ as a Veteran Aware Trust.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The aim is to develop, share and drive the implementation of best practice that will improve armed forces veterans' care, while at the same time raising standards for everyone across the NHS.
Derbyshire Healthcare was recognised for meeting the eight requirements set out by the alliance which must be met to pass the yearly review – these include:
- The Trust understands and is compliant with the Armed Forces Covenant
- The Trust has a clearly designated Veterans’ Champion Dyad
- The Trust identifies Veterans and armed forces community status of patients to ensure they receive appropriate care
- Staff at the Trust are trained and educated in the needs of veterans and the armed forces community
- The Trust has established links to appropriate nearby veteran and armed forces community services
- The Trust will refer veterans and armed forces community to other services as appropriate
- The Trust raises awareness of veterans and armed forces community
- The Trust supports the UK Armed Forces as an employer
Justine Fitzjohn, Trust Secretary and Executive Sponsor for the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Staff Network at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is fantastic to receive such a positive review after one-year of membership with Veterans Aware. I am proud to say we have clearly demonstrated our commitment to the armed forces through a variety of initiatives throughout the year.
“We are proud to be in support of those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, who should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantages when seeking to access public healthcare. Our aim is to continue this commitment and find new ways to advocate for this community.”
Some examples of the Trust’s hard work in support of the armed forces community:
- Derbyshire Healthcare received their gold award by the Employer Recognition Scheme
- Re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant
- Supporting Armed Forces week with a full itinerary on offer
- Celebrating Reserves Day in partnership with the University of Derby and providers in Derbyshire
- Staff taking part in the Robin Hood Half Marathon, this year raising money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers
- Peer support for the armed forces community
- Up to 15 days paid leave to support training commitments for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
- Guaranteed Interview Scheme for members of the armed forces community
The Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is committed to improving armed forces and veteran care whilst raising standards for all.
To find out more about our work for the armed forces and reservists please visit the Derbyshire Healthcare website.
