Veteran Aware Plaque Unveiled at Launceston Community Hospital

Launceston Community Hospital held a special celebration on Thursday 18th September as a plaque was unveiled to mark its accreditation as Veteran Aware.

Commitment to the Armed Forces Community

In June, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was re-accredited as Veteran Aware by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA). This reaffirms the Trust’s commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community by improving their access to healthcare and support services.

Veteran Aware status ensures that those who have served, as well as their families, receive fair treatment and support when they need it. It aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant, a national promise that no one in the Armed Forces community should be disadvantaged when accessing healthcare, employment, education, or housing.

The covenant was strengthened through the Armed Forces Act (2021), enshrining this commitment in law.

The Plaque Unveiling

The plaque was placed at the entrance of the Minor Injuries Unit and unveiled by progress co-ordinator Sharon Wilton and healthcare assistant Victoria DeCourcy Harrison.

Among those attending were Mayoress of Launceston Nicola Gilbert, Mark Bardsley from the Royal British Legion, Wendy Ranson from Active Plus, Iain Henderson from VC charity, Chief Medical Officer Adrian Flynn, and Annie Kenton, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Engagement Coordinator. Representatives also joined from SSAFA, the Royal Air Forces Association, and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Sharon, who previously served as a soldier in Basra, said:

“I think it’s a good thing for us to be able to be veteran aware. We get quite a lot of elderly patients, and they are the ones that also need support.

“Having served myself, I have seen how much support soldiers do get. I found it very easy to sort of relate to how difficult it is when you leave. We are able to signpost people through the referral process and get them support when they leave hospital. I don’t think they realise sometimes how much we’re able to do for them.”

Victoria, whose partner also served in the Armed Forces, added:

“When we open up about how much there is they are quite surprised. I’m speaking to a few veterans myself as well and they do not realise the number of links that we’re able to provide.”

A Hub for Advice and Support

Matron for Launceston Community Hospital and Stratton Community Hospital, Sarah Washer, explained how important the accreditation is for both patients and staff:

“Those in the Launceston area who have served in the forces or have a connection to the forces are able to come here as a hub for support, advice, or signposting.

“I am really proud that we are part of Veteran Aware. It’s really important that we not only support those coming into the hospital for support but our staff too.

“I would encourage everyone to have a look within what CFT can provide. Not just from the Veteran Aware, but other networks we offer.”

Professor Tim Briggs CBE, Chair of the VCHA, also praised the achievement:

“Veteran Aware accreditation continues to demonstrate its value across the NHS and beyond. Helping to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community and their families receive the recognition, understanding, and support they deserve.

“This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of the VCHA team and the NHS trusts who are dedicated to delivering equitable, high-quality care for those who serve or have served our country. Congratulations to all involved.”

More Hospitals Set to Follow

Launceston now joins Helston Community Hospital and Camborne Redruth Community Hospital as Veteran Aware sites. Stratton Community Hospital is expected to receive its plaque later this year, while Newquay Community Hospital and Falmouth Community Hospital are also set to follow.