Summary
Every PCN has at least one accredited practice and the region is hoping to reach the national target by March 2025.
Greater Manchester GP practices are leading the way when it comes to being veteran friendly.
Every Primary Care Network in the city-region has one or more practice signed up to the Veteran Friendly Accreditation scheme, run by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS England.
This meets the NHSE target of 100 per cent of PCNs with at least one practice accredited.
A total of 241 practices in GM have accreditation, which is an increase of 93 since October 2023.
However, all practices are encouraged to join the scheme so GM can achieve the national target of 100 per cent of practices by March 2025.
Becoming a veteran friendly accredited practice is a quick and simple process – it takes just 20 minutes to sign up – and will help practices raise awareness, improve understanding and support them in their duty of care to veterans.
Practices receive free online training, support with identifying veteran patients and advice on referrals.
After becoming accredited, 99 per cent of practices would recommend it, saying they feel they have a better understanding of veterans’ needs.
Dr Joanna Bircher, Clinical Director of the PCB’s GP Excellence Programme, said: “In GM, we have significantly increased the number of practices that have achieved veteran friendly accreditation, and we would love to continue building on this.
“For the past few years, the PCB has supported the RCGP and NHSE campaign to encourage more accredited practices by reaching out to our GPs and PCNs and explaining the benefits of the scheme.
“While there is growing pressure on practices, it really is a straightforward process, and you learn so much about identifying, understanding and delivering the right support to veterans. If you are an accredited practice, veterans may feel more comfortable about approaching you for help when it’s needed.”
For more information, contact veterans@rcgp.org.uk or complete the registration form.
