Veteran Aware
Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA)
The Trust was delighted to take the first step in becoming a Veteran Aware organisation, by signing the Armed Forces Covenant in December 2021. The Trust’s Chief Executive, Will Warrender was joined by Lieutenant Colonel Adam Brown and Captain Kirby, representing the local detachment of the Wessex Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association Regiment, to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Trust.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Will Warrender stated “The Armed Forces Covenant ensures we are committed to upholding the key principles of the Covenant which recognise the value serving Personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans, and military families contribute to our organisation.
The Trust have now applied for accreditation to become a Veteran Aware Trust, accreditation is from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
To become accredited, the Trust needs to meet a number of Requirements which includes:
- Understanding and is compliant with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Has a clearly designated Veterans’ Champion Dyad
- Supports the UK Armed Forces as an employer
- Has established links to appropriate veteran services
- Staff are trained and educated in the needs of veterans
- Raises awareness of veterans
- Identifies veterans to ensure they receive appropriate care
- Refer veterans to other services as appropriate.
By achieving accreditation will provide acknowledgement of the Trust’s recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the Armed Forces and their families.
SWAST will become one of many members of the VCHA and be part of the growing number of NHS Trust’s gaining this accolade.