A new GP scheme focused on the specific health challenges veterans may face following military service is being introduced in Scotland.

 The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme has been developed jointly with NHS Scotland, NHS Highland and Scottish Government. 

The voluntary scheme provides easy access training materials for GPs to help increase understanding of veterans’ needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided. The specific issues faced by veterans and Armed Forces families will also set out in clinical case studies to help improve understanding among GPs.

Graeme Dey is Veterans Minister in the Scottish Government. He said:

“This is an important step forward in providing more support and I encourage GP surgeries to find out more about this scheme. The pilot has already had a significant impact in helping veterans and armed forces families, and that will only increase as more GPs sign up.

“We are working hard to support our veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. This is especially important at this time of year as we remember and recognise the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe.”

“Aimed at those working in General Practices, the training for the General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans’ Recognition Scheme is designed to enable primary care professionals and their teams identify and understand the health and wellbeing impact that military life can have on their Armed Forces and Veteran community patients. It will also help practices identify gaps in knowledge or processes, and recommend possible approaches for optimisation.” NHS Scotland

The scheme  is inspired by the GP awareness scheme that is in operation in England and follows on from a successful pilot project held in Scotland.