The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) is made up of Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. They are proud to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families with their healthcare needs.
As Veteran Aware accredited hospitals, we are committed to ensuring that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged when accessing health services.
We proudly support current employees who are reservists, cadets or veterans, and potential employees who have completed their service and are looking to join the NHS as the next step in their career.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Act 2021 came into force in November 2022. The Act reinforces the Armed Forces Covenant which both hospitals have signed.
This is a legal obligation for our hospitals to have due regard to 2 principles:
- Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
- Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
Ministry of Defence (MOD) Employer Recognition Silver Awards
Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals hold the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) award for their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The ERS includes bronze, silver, and gold awards. The silver award is given to employers who have shown their support and advocated for existing or prospective employees who are reservists or armed forces veterans.
We recognise the shared values of veterans and their transferable skills and resilience, making them excellent employees within the NHS.
Armed Forces Veterans Aware Accreditation
Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals are accredited Armed Forces Veteran Aware hospitals. These awards represent our commitment to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces, whether active, reserves, former or retired members are always treated appropriately, and with no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
Healthcare for the Armed Forces Community
We aim to improve the experience of veterans, regulars, reserves, cadets, and their families whether requiring healthcare or serving as employees of UHN and recognise the transferable skills and experiences of veterans.
We are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces Community are supported, treated equally and receive the same standard of healthcare as any other UK citizen; including retaining their relative position on an NHS waiting list if moved around the UK due to a military service posting and veterans receiving priority treatment for conditions resulting from their service in the Armed Forces.
We can help direct you with your physical, mental and emotional needs through our wide range of services. Many of our staff have been trained to identify and respond to the specific needs of the Armed Forces Community, therefore please do not hesitate to identify yourself as a member or former member of the Armed Forces.
Defence Medal Welfare Service (DMWS) Welfare Officer
The DMWS Welfare Officer is a valued resource of University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). Their specialist knowledge, rooted in operational experience, means that DMWS welfare staff have a deep understanding of working with Armed Forces personnel and their families, as well as with veterans, and other uniformed services including the blue light services, NHS staff and The Merchant Navy.
To contact the DMWS Welfare Officer across UHN, please email kgh-tr.Veterans@nhs.net
Armed Forces Support Organisations
Support and advice for patients and their families who are members of the Armed Forces community:
General Help
The Armed Forces Covenant
Armed Families Federation support for army families worldwide
Army Hive Information support to all members of the service community
Association of Service Drop-in Centres Drop-in centres across the country (West & North, Northants Council)
Royal British Legion Creating a better future for our community and their families
Cobseo – Confederation of Service Charities
Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) Providing a high-quality medical welfare service
Defence Transition Services
Fighting with Pride Supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families
Help For Heros Supporting with physical and mental health and a range of welfare issues
Little Troopers Military Children's Charity
Naval Families Federation Supporting RN & RM serving personnel & families
Op Community Armed Forces Community Support - closest contact:
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland ICB
OP FORTITUDE Support pathway for those experiencing homelessness
OP NOVA Support for those in contact with the justice system
RAF Benevolent Fund Helping families since 1919
RAF Families Federation Support for RAF personnel & families worldwide
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust Support for Royal Navy & Marines personnel & families in times of need
SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity
The Forces Pension Society empowering members to make the best choices
The Ripple Pond supporting carers of loved ones who has a service attributable physical or psychological injury in the British Armed Forces Community
Veterans Community Network provide one-to-one support through a network of trained Veteran Peer Mentors and Partnership working
Veterans Gateway Directory of services
Veterans UK Pensions, compensation, medals, badges & records
Walking with the wounded individualised support for veterans who are struggling
Health & Social Care
Blesma Providing support to limbless and injured veterans for life
Blind Veterans UK Rebuilding lives after sight loss
DMWS Welfare Officers – expert support for veterans within our hospitals
OP RESTORE Physical health and wellbeing service
UK Veterans Hearing UK veterans hearing
Employment
Career Transition Partnership The MoD’s official provider of Armed Forces Resettlement
The Forces Employment charity Life-long, life-changing support
The Poppy Factory Supporting veterans & families with health conditions into employment
Mental Health
Combat Stress Clinical treatment & support for veterans
Models for heroes Support for UK Armed Forces & Emergency Service personnel with the hobby of model making
OP COURAGE Mental health support
PTSD Resolution Mental Health help
Salute Her UK Improving the lives of women veterans: a hidden and invisible population
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
Together all
Young Minds
Socialising
Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs Breakfast clubs around the country
The Not Forgotten Association Bringing veterans together since 1920
RBL network for carers Royal British Legion
Addictions
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Rehab Recovery
SMART Recovery
Gamblers Anonymous