Veterans voices: veterans experiences of health and social care services

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Summary of report content

Healthwatch Dudley undertook research on the healthcare experience of veterans.  They spoke to 12 veterans at events.

Key findings

  • Mental Health: PTSD can occur years later; quick response is critical. The Combat Stress helpline was praised for crisis support.
  • Peer Support: This was highly valued; warm referrals and accompanying veterans to appointments work best.
  • Service Design: Veterans prefer professionals with military experience; They need for a single point of contact.
  • Health Services: Veterans reported issues with dental costs, surgery delays, Blue Badge renewals, and GP access. They had positive feedback for cancer care at New Cross Hospital.
  • GP Services: Veterans had concerns about continuity, triage, and communication (especially for deaf veterans). They had mixed experiences with medication and privacy.

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Dudley
Publication date
Key themes
Access to services
Booking appointments
Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Cost and funding of services
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
Waiting for appointments or treatment; waiting lists for treatment
Written information, guidance and publicity

Methodology and approach

Was the work undertaken in partnership with another organisation?
No
Primary research method used
Engagement event
If an Enter and View methodology was applied, was the visit announced or unannounced?
N/A

Details of health and care services included in the report

Details of health and care services included in the report
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) and specialist MH services
Dentist
General Practice (GP)
Hospital services- not stated

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
12
Seldom heard groups
Members of the armed forces and veterans
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