Hi everyone,

I work for a 3rd sector organisation currently researching the care of veterans by the NHS. Our research is showing us some worrying finds. Most veterans and soldiers are unaware that you can get priority treatment through the NHS if your case is as important as a civilian. Doctors dont seem to be aware that people are in fact veterans and dont have any way of recording this on their system, so they are unable to judge whether medical problems are related to service or not.

This NEEDS to be changed and you all need to be lookeed after better by our NHS service. We need your help to make this change.

We are looking for more questionnaire responses from veterans and hope that you can help!

If you could answer some or all of the following, or just let us know your story then that would help tremendously in our search:

• When you left the Forces, what information were you provided with to help you access health services?
• Were you recognised as a Veteran when you registered with health services?
• Did you/do you feel it to be important that the health service is aware that you are a Veteran?
• After a period of 5 years or more from leaving the Forces, do you think your experiences still have an impact on your health?
• Do you know that Veterans are entitled to receive specialised support and priority treatment?
• What could have been done better in providing health care support when you left the forces?
• If you could introduce one change to health provision and support when you left the Forces what would it be?
• In what ways do you think the health services (Primary Care Trust) can engage with Veterans and what support would be needed to enable this to happen?

Thanking you all so much in advance.

CVSCE (Community Voluntary Services Cheshire East)