Supporting Those Who Have Served: The Centre for Veterans’ Health at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Peter Scholz served his country for more than two decades. He travelled the world with the Army Catering Corps, but in later years, his body began to betray him. When the pain in his knees became unbearable, he sought help – but for 18 months, he got nowhere. Then, thanks to his family and the support of King Edward VII’s Hospital, Peter finally got the treatment he needed.

A lifetime of Service
Peter joined the Army Catering Corps in April 1968 at the age of 17, serving in Germany, Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Bahrain, and the UK. After retiring as a Warrant Officer Class 2 in 1990, he remained active – running, cycling, and playing golf. But by 60, knee pain had become a constant companion.

“I just carried on. That’s what we do,” says Peter. “But about five years ago, I could barely walk, let alone run.”

A frustrating journey
Eventually, X-rays confirmed he had severe arthritis in both knees. “I tried the NHS, but I was getting nowhere,” Peter recalls. “I didn’t know what to do next.”

It was his son who encouraged him to contact SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. With help from his daughter navigating the application process, Peter was soon referred to King Edward VII’s Hospital.

“Next thing I knew, I was being called up to King Edward VII’s Hospital to see Mr. Luke Jones. It all happened so quickly.”

Finally, a solution
Peter’s first appointment with Mr. Jones was thorough and reassuring. “Mr. Jones confirmed that both knees needed replacing. I asked if I’d be able to run again. He told me straight: ‘If you’re going to run, I’m not going to do your knees.’ He was quite firm about it, but it stopped me from making it worse.” What mattered most to Peter wasn’t running it was staying active and keeping up with his grandson. Peter underwent partial knee replacements in June and July 2023.

The road to recovery
The recovery wasn’t easy. “I’ve never felt pain like it,” Peter admits. But the care he received at King Edward VII’s Hospital made all the difference.

“Everyone was amazing” Peter says. “From the spotless facilities to the excellent food and, most of all, the way the staff treated me like a person, not a number.”

Peter felt genuinely cared for: “At other hospitals, you feel invisible. But here, I was treated with kindness and respect. It really made a difference.”

A new lease of life
For Peter, the experience was overwhelming in the best possible way. “All my life, I’ve never had anything given to me. What this charity did for me was just amazing. I’m so grateful.”

“King Edward VII’s Hospital was brilliant,” Peter says. “I would recommend it to anyone. The Centre for Veterans’ Health changed my life.”

Visit: www.kingedwardvii.co.uk