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Veteran aware plaque

Armed forces covenant

Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution

In November 2023  Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's chief executive, signed the Armed Forces Covenant, alongside Wing Commander Chris Owen, Air Regional Employer Engagement Officer (London), Royal Air Force.

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant, as a trust, we have started the journey towards gaining the Veteran Aware Accreditation to become a veteran-friendly hospital.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a public pledge to ensure that veterans and reservists aren’t at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing healthcare or other public or commercial services.

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is the beginning of our journey towards gaining the Veteran Aware Accreditation to become a veteran-friendly hospital.

Does it apply to you?

If you’re a member of the Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a veteran, or a family member, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are treated fairly.

Armed forced covenant logo - lion holding a union jack flag

What is the Moorfields' Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is our promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

Its two principles are that, recognising the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces:

  • Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
  • Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
Armed Forces Covenant
Thank you to the hospital for signing the Armed Forces Covenant. It is really important that those people that serve in the reserve forces feel supported by their employers. By signing this today, you have shown that commitment to those reservists, to the nation and to defence.

Wing Commander, Chris Owen

I have been struck by the unwavering dedication to ensure that no disadvantage comes to their patients, staff or community. I encourage all patients and their families to identify themselves so they can receive any additional support or services available.

Anna-Marie Tipping, VCHA regional lead

The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is a group of NHS providers, including acute, mental health, community, and ambulance trusts that have agreed to model of the best care for, and support to, the Armed Forces community.

They actively increase numbers of independent healthcare providers are accrediting as Veteran Aware. This includes third sector providers and hospices.

They have developed a range of resources to support therapists in delivering personalised care for the Armed Forces community. 

 

Find our more about their work 

If you would like to contact a specific veterans helpline, you may find it helpful to contact:

  • Help for Heroes who aim to help the Armed Forces community live well after service:  Get Help and Support: Help for Heroes - Empowering Veterans | Help For Heroes
  • Veterans UK helpline who provide assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. You can email them on  veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk or call them on 0808 1914 218. The service is open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. If you are in need of immediate emotional support, you will be given the option to be routed to the Samaritans 24 hour helpline.
  • For veterans with sight loss, you can visit the Blind Veterans website to find out what further support may be available to you.