HPFT recognised for its support for veterans

03 Jan 24

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) has been accredited as Veteran Aware.

The accreditation means the Trust has been recognised as taking account of the needs of the Armed Forces Community when providing health and social care services for those with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk and Waveney and Essex.

It is believed the Armed Forces Community across HPFTs service area accounts for about 10 per cent of the population it serves, totalling around 485,000 people.
This figure includes just over 138,000 veterans, 10,030 serving members and more than 333,350 families.

The accreditation process was overseen by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), who work to make sure that people from the Armed Forces Community are not disadvantaged in terms of access to and outcomes of healthcare, as a result of their military life in line with the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Trust was noted as having an “authentic commitment” by the VCHA’s Regional Lead, David Wood demonstrated by its history of treating veterans, since 1997, and links with care support partners including The Ripple Pond, a national charity that supports family members of Armed Forces personnel who are suffering from psychological trauma.

David continued: “This is just the start of its journey. The Trust acknowledges the work ahead and have a plan, resources, and support in place to ensure its success and I am confident that it will succeed.”

Consultant Clinical Psychologist, HPFT, Dr Oliver Pugh is the Trusts Management Champion. Dr Pugh’s association with the military is through a family connection and also through his work treating veterans.

He said: “I grew up hearing about my grandfathers’ service in the Royal Navy and Royal Airforce in World War II, while my great grandfather survived the Western front in World War 1. After training as a Clinical Psychologist I have specialised in working with trauma and in treating PTSD. During the course of this work, I have helped numerous military veterans come to terms with experiences they have been affected by during the course of their service. I am delighted that the Trust has been recognised as Veteran Aware and we will continue our work to understand the challenges veterans face after leaving the Armed Forces and ensure they receive the best care from our services.”

Image depicting being a Veteran Aware organisation

Related Pages

HPFT recognised for its support for veterans