Today sees the launch of the updated NHS Constitution that embeds the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant deeper into the heart of the NHS.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by the armed forces community, the NHS Constitution and its accompanying handbook have been updated and now includes the key health Armed Forces Covenant commitment of ‘no disadvantage’. This ensures members of the armed forces community (including those serving, reservists, their families and veterans) are supported, treated equally and receive the same standard of, and access to healthcare as any other UK citizen in the area they live.
See updated NHS Constitution and Handbook to the NHS Constitution.
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Comment by Stephen Barraclough posted on
I don't understand the NEED for such a 'Mandate'?
"..‘no disadvantage’. This ensures members of the armed forces community (including those serving, reservists, their families and veterans) are supported, treated equally and receive the same standard of, and access to healthcare as any other UK citizen in the area they live.."
HOW WOULD THEY - OR COULD THEY - NOT BE 'TREATED EQUALLY etc..? Surely All UK citizens (whether ex-services or otherwise!) MUST - BY THE NHS CHARTER - be 'treated fairly, equally..without further 'Charters' - Mandates OR ANYTHING!
Comment by Gareth Owen posted on
Hi Stephen,
The Mandate sets long term ambitions to make sure the NHS is always there and always improving. It exists so that the taxpayer has a say in how money is spent, and so the Government can provide direction and ambitions for the NHS. NHS England must try to achieve these ambitions and the Secretary of State for Health will hold them to account for improving care for people.
This addition to the NHS Constitution makes it clear that nobody in the Armed Forces Community should ever be disadvantaged in accessing healthcare services in the area they reside. The NHS does treat each and every individual equally. However, as a result of their role, individuals within the Armed Forces Community, particularly families can sometimes be placed at a disadvantage. For example individuals in the Armed Forces Community often have to move around the country at the behest of the Government, and might find themselves at the bottom of waiting lists. It is these type of disadvantages that this addition is trying to address.
Comment by Tracy Cole posted on
Does this mean that an individual from the Armed Forces Community, who is at the top of the list in one hospital and is required to relocate, they will go to the top of the list in the area that they have had to relocate to?
Comment by Robert Hoyland MBE posted on
I certainly hope so especially if they have been moved involuntarily.