Lesser heard voices: veterans in Buckinghamshire

In 2019 Healthwatch Bucks created the role of a Community Lead to work with seldom heard groups. Armed Forces veterans were selected as one of three varied groups to engage with during 2019/20.  They undertook engagement with over 150 people to understand veterans’ experiences of Health and Social care in Bucks, gauge their awareness of what they should expect for their Health and Social Care, promote awareness of veteran specific health and social care initiatives and provide some signposting and encourage veterans to ensure they are “flagged” as such at their GP.

They spoke to over 150 people, which included veterans, their spouses and others with Armed Forces and veteran connections. They heard from 74 veterans at 9 engagement events and individually.

Only 24 had heard of the Armed Forces Covenant, and most were unaware of what the covenant says about veteran’s health and social care.  Only two were aware of Veteran Friendly GP practices and a further two had heard of Veteran Aware Hospitals.

18 veterans believe they have a condition related to service.  These included physical conditions, e.g. hearing loss, back problems, joint problems (knees and hips), and a single incidence of skin cancer. When speaking one-on-one 6 veterans spoke about impact on their mental health, mainly depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Apart from going to their GP, only 11 knew where else to go for help. Of these most would look to the British Legion. Two had used the RBL Hearing Aid scheme. We found that two veterans were aware of, and had used, Combat Stress.

There were four recommendations about improving healthcare for veterans.