Veterans' Experiences of Accessing Healthcare

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Summary of report content

In August 2025, Healthwatch Shropshire worked in partnership with Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Outreach (AFO) team to hear directly from veterans about their experiences of accessing healthcare locally. They heard from 25 people.

The top issues were:

  • Confusion over NHS coding for veterans
  • Identifying as a veteran and how it can make a difference
  • Mental health issues and impact on accessing services
  • Confusion over healthcare entitlements for veterans
  • Transition from military to civilian life, possibly falling between healthcare systems

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General details

Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Shropshire
Publication date
Date evidence capture began
Date evidence capture finished
Key themes
Access to services
Administration (records, letters, results)
Communication with patients; treatment explanation; verbal advice
Consent, choice, user involvement and being listened to
Lifestyle and wellbeing; wider determinants of health
Medication, prescriptions and dispensing
Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
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
General Practice (GP)
Hospital services- not stated

Details of people who shared their views

Number of people who shared their views
25
Seldom heard groups
Members of the armed forces and veterans
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