The Pennygate Medical Centre in Wigan
The Pennygate Medical Centre in Wigan, an accredited practice since 2021, has used the insights and resources gained from Veteran Friendly Accreditation to help them put in place effective processes for identifying and supporting their veteran patients. Veteran Lead and GP Assistant, Siobhan Gracey, explains how this has led to more personalised care and better outcomes for their veteran patients.
“It can be a scary time leaving the Armed Forces. Some patients can experience health issues as a direct result of their service and yet be reluctant to seek support.
“Getting Veteran Friendly Accredited is the best way to support them. The Accreditation Pack is full of information to get you started and guide you in your journey to improving the care you give to veteran patients.
“Since getting Veteran Friendly Accredited, newly registered patients at our practice are asked if they have served in the Armed Forces, with their status coded on medical records so staff are aware of a patient's service background.
“Getting Veteran Friendly Accredited gives you the knowledge of what support is available. If one of our veteran patients is experiencing a problem that is partially or wholly attributable to military service we will request priority support, subject to clinical need. Recently, a patient who would not normally seek support let me know they were struggling with their mental health and were drinking too much alcohol. We agreed an action plan together, which included an alcohol screening assessment and mental health review, leading to them accessing support from an alcohol dependency service and they are now alcohol free and feeling much better.
“Following accreditation, the practice also began hosting regular coffee mornings for veterans and their families, which I lead and are also attended by community link workers, care coordinators, mental health practitioners and first contact practitioners. Invitations to these mornings are sent out via text and promoted on social media.”
“These coffee mornings have helped build trust among veteran patients, some of whom may find it hard to seek help, by providing a supportive space and the opportunity to discreetly discuss any issues they have directly with myself and colleagues. From these conversations, the practice has been able to help our veteran patients access support for issues such as mental health, alcohol dependency and social isolation.
“It’s immensely rewarding to help patients who have served our country or in other countries and we’re so proud to be a Veteran Friendly Accredited practice. I feel like we can give something back to them and make them feel supported and heard and I’d strongly encourage every practice to become Veteran Friendly Accredited. It can make a world of difference to veterans and their families.”