SUPPORT FOR WAR HEROES
by the Record – he argued that priority treatment for veterans as laid out in the Armed Forces Covenant was “a largely meaningless concept”.
He added: “The current confusion about what priority treatment means and its impact serves nobody well, especially if it results in unrealistic expectations which cannot be matched.
“It is clear the time is right for a fresh and bolder vision, which will be especially important for those with the most severe and enduring injuries and conditions. I set out the guiding principles of what I would like to see.
“Included in this is veterans being confident that support – across the entire health and social care sector – is available when required, for the rest of their lives.”
Former Royal Marine Jay Hare, an ex-corporal in 45 Commando, who suffered life-changing injuries from an explosion in Helmand in 2008, was cited in the report as one hero who had deep concerns about future support.
Jay, 36, feels twinges from his prosthetic leg, his other injured knee and back.
He fears the care and support he has received will dry up in future. He said: “Are enough future resources in place to deliver on this promise?
“We were told that we were going to be looked after if injured – that was the deal that was on the table and I hope that is still the case.”
Eric has made 18 recommendations that he hopes the Scottish Government, NHS and their partners will adopt including:
The establishment of a National Clinical Network on veterans’ health to address issues such as funding, access and planning; An action plan to secure the long-term delivery of dedicated mental health services and the identifying of veterans as a distinct group within the healthcare system to redress health inequalities some face as a result of their military service.
He said good work was being done to support veterans by statutory and charity bodies but remained convinced that there was a need for greater national leadership on the issue and for consistent, long-term funding to protect specialist services for the lifetime of veterans.
Eric added: “The impressive work at the start of this decade in establishing specialist physical and mental health services for veterans in Scotland has had a significant impact over subsequent years and has rightly attracted attention and praise. We still see the benefits today.
“With healthcare reform underway in Scotland, there is a need and an opportunity to embed veterans’ health requirements into existing and new frameworks and guidance.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “We’re working hard to ensure all serving armed forces personnel and veterans living in Scotland get the best possible care and support.
“For example, our mental health strategy reinforces our commitment to improve support for veterans and their families. We’re also funding the provision of specialist and community outreach mental health services for veterans.” the worst decisions made. None of the staff were trained to deal with patients from a military background and none of my fellow clients shared my experiences, yet I had to participate in group therapy with them.
“In 2006 I was discharged and was in the care of civilian rather than military doctors.
“I returned to Edinburgh and continued to spiral, culminating in an incident where I threatened to kill myself and self-harmed in public.
“I was arrested and ended up on remand. A doctor I spoke with while there told me to get in touch when I was out and he made me aware of veteran-specific support services that he thought would help.
“This is where things finally started to turn around.”