Veterans Priority Treatment

In 1955 the Government made a decision to close the hospitals run by the Ministry of Pensions for war veterans. These hospitals were taken over by the NHS.

So that war pensioners were not disadvantaged, the Government made it that war pensioners were to have priority treatment in any NHS hospital, this has remained in place as part of the Military Covenant. Clinical need will always come first and must not be confused with priority treatment. But if two people need the same treatment the Veteran will be given priority and therefore will be treated first.

In January 2008, responding to pressure from The Royal British Legion's 'Honour the Covenant Campaign' and the support of the public, this priority was not just for ex-Service personnel who believe that their illness or injury is suspected as being caused by their military service, but is extended to those who served in the Territorial Army. This time, it is not just part of the Military Covenant, but is backed by Law.

There are approximately 170,000 war pensioners and there has been over 45,000 Territorial's who have served in recent conflicts. There are many ex-Service personnel still suffering and remaining undiagnosed after their Service has ceased, particularly in the field of mental health. The new law raises the number of possible beneficiaries from the original 170,000, to approximately five million.

In June 2008 the Chairman of the Derbyshire County Welfare Advisory Committee wrote to all GP Practice Managers in the County reminding them of the priority to be given to Veterans. Patients should now be asked, when attending appointments, if they are a Veteran. Priority also extends to referrals to specialists.

If you believe that you have an illness or injury made worse by military service, make sure that you tell both your GP and any subsequent specialist or healthcare professional that you are a Veteran. Priority treatment, as a Veteran, is your right by law.

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