New government-funded training will support community pharmacy teams to meet the healthcare needs of veterans and their families.

On the anniversary of VE day today, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced £1.8 million to support healthcare providers in England to:

  • improve identification of Armed Forces personnel,
  • deliver more personalised care,
  • and improve health outcomes for veterans and their families.

And a DHSC spokesperson confirmed to The Pharmacist that community pharmacy teams would be included.

Kate Davies CBE, national director for armed forces health at NHS England (NHSE) said the three-year training programme announced today was NHSE's 'most comprehensive training programme yet to meet the unique healthcare needs of veterans'.

'Developed with frontline experts in veterans’ health and those with lived experience, this national initiative ensures those who’ve served receive the high-quality, specialised care they deserve,' she said.

And health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: 'As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we’re honouring our Armed Forces not just with words, but with action.

'Too many veterans face a system that doesn’t fully understand their needs – that changes today.

'This new training programme will help NHS staff across England give our veterans the personalised care they deserve. Through our Plan for Change the NHS will deliver for those who have delivered for Britain.'