Veterans who are admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital are set to benefit from a new service to help them while they’re in hospital and once they’re discharged home.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals, part of NHS Humber Health Partnership, is working with Hull 4 Heroes charity to identify any inpatients who served or are currently serving in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force.
Ward teams will be asked to check if their patient served with the Armed Forces and to record the fact that they’re a veteran on their notes. Patients will be asked if they wish to be put in contact with Hull 4 Heroes to help them once they’re home from hospital and leaflets displaying the charity’s offer of support will be displayed on wards.
As well as supporting veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces throughout their time in hospital and once they’re discharged home, the charity can also provide peer support and a 24/7 helpline.
Jan Fillinger, who was a former Patient Experience Manager in the NHS, will be taking up the voluntary role with the charity to support veterans coming into hospital.
She said: “Very often, veterans can benefit from external forms of support once they’ve left the service, no matter how long ago that was.
“We’re aiming to make sure all veterans get the help they need when they need it, particularly if they’re suffering ill health.
“As well as making sure they’re getting all the support they need at home, it will also benefit the hospitals by making sure people can be discharged from hospital once they’re well enough, providing they’ve got that support in place.”
Patients can also contact the charity directly by calling 01482 534483 or emailing [email protected]
Hull University Teaching Hospitals (HUTH) has just been notified by the Ministry of Defence that its Employee Recognition Scheme Gold Award for its work to support veterans and offer career opportunities to those leaving the services has been revalidated for a further five years.
Both HUTH and its partner – Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust – have also been jointly awarded Veterans Aware status by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance in recognition of the support for veterans.