Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for its continued support for ex-service personnel by receiving reaccreditation as a Veteran Aware organisation.
NHS Veteran Aware is an accreditation programme run by Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), designed to support healthcare providers understand and meet the needs of the Armed Forces community.
To achieve the accreditation, we have demonstrated our commitment to eight core manifesto standards. These include, but are not limited to, having clearly designated veterans and Armed Forces champions; identifying veterans and Armed Forces community-status patients to ensure they receive appropriate care; educating staff in the needs of veterans; and referring veterans to other services as appropriate.
Royal Papworth transplant patient John (centre) with Dr Caroline Patterson (left) and Richie Chapple (right)
Richie Chapple is Pharmacy Homecare Services Manager and our trust’s Armed Forces Champion.
He expressed his delight at our reaccreditation, while also highlighting one example of Royal Papworth’s commitment to the cause.
He said: “Last May a Royal Navy veteran, John, underwent a double-lung transplant here at Royal Papworth. His transplant physician, Dr Caroline Patterson, herself an RAF veteran, highlighted his background to me so I went to visit him in my role as champion.
“During our conversation it became apparent that John had some concerns about the frequency of journeys between his Hampshire home and the hospital and the associated financial costs of travel.
“With John’s permission I made a quick phone call and within the hour, the Royal Naval Association were visiting with gifts and get well cards. They have also now linked John to local support closer to home and he has been allocated a case worker for ongoing support from SSAFA, the armed forces charity.
“This is a great example of veterans working together across the armed services - air, land and sea - and the connectivity between the trust and local service organisations.”
John added: “This assistance has been pretty immense for me and my family. Without the support of the armed forces and the veterans charities I would have struggled physically and mentally.
“I can only thank the hospital staff for what they’ve done to help us. It means a lot.“
In addition of the NHS Veteran Aware accreditation, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust also has a silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The trust also provides training opportunities, clinical and general work placements, insight days and job application support for the Armed Forces community through Step into Health, a programme that provides a dedicated pathway into a career in the NHS.