NHS England – Helping Veterans with injuries sustained in the Military

Off By Ed Hanna

The Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) can help you deal with post-Service injuries. Jim tells us how he came to find support with the VTN…

My name’s Jim. I was in the Army for 12 years. I live with my wife; we have four children and I’m a Veteran – and extremely proud to be one. My wife never Served, but I think she understands me – Veterans, we’re a different kettle of fish!

How did you find out about the Veterans Trauma Network?
I came to hear about it from a person I know who lives in the South West who kindly passed the details to my wife that there is a service called Veterans Trauma Network (VTN). The VTN supports people with physical injury due to their Military service. I was hoping that it wouldn’t be, like a lot of things, lots of paperwork and very confusing. But instead, this is one of the most awesome NHS services I have ever come across.

What’s different about the VTN?
After my GP referred me, VTN put me in touch with a Veteran Support Worker through Defence Medical Welfare Services (DMWS).

I got through to a chap called Luke, and immediately I was put at ease. From day one, it started to go smoothly. I’ve been trying to get help for 44 years but with VTN, from my initial referral, to getting to see a consultant, was just under six weeks.

When my wife, who is also my carer, and I went to the hospital for the first appointment we were met by Luke. He greeted us like a friend; it was awesome. A bit like someone holding your hand as a child. He really was that caring.

What was your first appointment like?
When we went in, the first thing I was asked was “What’s your name?” and when I told him, he turned around and said: “And you’re a Veteran, thank you for your Service”. That is most unusual in this country.

In the end, I went for an x-ray. In the lift on the way, Luke asked if he could come in with me because VTN wanted to make sure it was right.

When I went in to see the consultant he could see just by looking what was wrong and the confirmation was there in my x-rays. I had injuries to my ankle, injuries to my knee and an injury to my hip, all caused by my Military service, by the equipment I was issued with.

But I have to look on the positive side, VTN were there for me. I know what I’ve got and why I’ve got it. Within a week, I had confirmation in a letter which I could show to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

What would you say to someone who is struggling with physical injuries resulting from their time in the Military?
If anyone has got any problems, go to your GP they can refer you to the VTN and hopefully you’ll get someone like Luke who can support you.

The VTN are absolutely brilliant and I thank them with all my heart. They’ve saved my life! Again, thank you.

Veterans Trauma Network
The Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) is a service provided by the NHS that delivers specialist care and treatment to Veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces.