Military veterans’ physical and mental health affected by coronavirus

Two in every five wounded military veterans say they have experienced a delay in accessing NHS services or treatment since the coronavirus outbreak, a survey has suggested.

Figures from the Help for Heroes charity also suggest half (50 per cent) of the 1,161 wounded veterans and serving personnel surveyed admit they are not managing their mental health as well as before the pandemic started.

Itcomesamidconcernsfrom the World Health Organisation that patients are avoiding seeking medical advice through fear of contracting coronavirus.

Figuresfromhelpforheroes suggest almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of those who experienced delays to NHS services said this negatively impacted on their mental health, while almost three in five (59 per cent) said it affected their physical wellbeing.

One-third (34 per cent) of those polled said they were concerned about being able to access the NHS once the pandemic eases.

Former Army officer Cornelia Oosthuizen, who had her lower right leg amputated after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in November 2018, said she was among those negatively affected by the Covid-19 outbreak when her latest appointment with specialists helping her walk again was cancelled in April.

Thewheelchairtennisplayer said: “I had successfully learnt to manage it but now the prosthetic isn’t fitting, walking has become problematic.”

Help for Heroes said it expects to miss out on 40 per cent of its income this year due to postponed fundraising events.

However, it said it is continuing to deliver support to those in need, including through therapy sessions over the phone and on video conferencing.