Veterans Voices
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Healthwatch Dudley wanted to understand the healthcare experiences of veterans. They attended a number of meetings for veterans and spoke to 12 veterans.
Mental health services need to be responsive to the needs of veterans and act quickly.
Peer to peer support is valued by veterans.
There are many organisations that offer support to veterans but this can be confusing. People don't know who to contact first.
Services provided to veterans should be co-produced with them.
They feel fellow veterans can understand their situation better and may have more empathy.
Veterans told us that during their service they receive free dental treatment, so were not used to paying for this service.
Even though their medical records are flagged as being a veteran, veterans feel they get no preferential treatment.