NHS England, together with the MOD, BLESMA, Blind Veterans UK and Style for Soldiers, has recently launched the veterans trauma network, which aims to provide specialist care for patients with service related traumatic injuries. The network has been informed by feedback from veterans, their families and GPs who have requested both clinical assurance on the advice and excellence of care and a supportive ‘safety net’ to meet the ongoing health needs of injured military personnel transitioning out of the service and veterans.
Located in ten major trauma centres across England (Plymouth, Oxford, London (three centres), Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds and Middlesborough), the network acts as a regional hub for veteran care, linking with NHS veterans’ mental health services, national centres of expertise and key service charities to provide a complete package of care.
Patients referred to the service have a personalised treatment plan developed and provided by a specialist team of military and civilian experts in trauma. As part of this, the needs of families and carers are also considered.
If you are supporting a veteran or veterans who you feel may benefit from referral to this service, BLESMA is the umbrella charity for the veterans trauma network and can be contacted via email at bsoprosthetics@blesma.org or telephone at 0208 548 7080. Referrals to the network can also be made via a GP, Blind Veterans UK and Style for Soldiers.
Early use of the network is already highlighting better care and health outcomes for patients, as shown in this video.
For further information on the service or referrals, please email bsoprosthetics@blesma.org or england.veteranstraumanetwork@nhs.net.
