Doctors sign up to help veterans in need scheme

DOCTORSÂ are signing up to become '˜veteran friendly' under a new national scheme backed by the NHSÂ to improve medical care for former members of the armed services.

Extra support for ex-military personnel willÂ be offered by GPs who sign up to the scheme in a bid to help thoseÂ whoÂ face additional challenges when they return to civilian life.

Dr Mike Brookes, a North Yorkshire GP who served in Iraq, came up with the idea. HeÂ said: '˜IÂ could see how pivotal a GP practice could be at identifying ex-service personnel to help ensure they receive the rightÂ care and treatment.'Â

Portsmouth GP Dr Elizabeth Fellows added: '˜Ex-forces personnel may have additional needs when accessing healthcare.'Â