Media Release

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s status as a Veteran Aware organisation renewed

Communications Teamby
The QEH has been successfully reviewed as a Veteran Aware organisation, recognising its continued commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, and their families.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s one year review as a Veteran Aware Trust has been renewed, formally recognising our commitment to the Armed Forces community.

The Veteran Aware accreditation is part of QEH’s commitment to better support our armed forces community.

The accreditation recognises the Trust’s work identifying and sharing best practice across the NHS highlighting the best standards of care for the Armed Forces community. It highlights QEH’s achievements in:

  • Ensuring patients from the Armed Forces community are identified and that care is equitable, compassionate, and sensitive to their experiences.
  • Providing staff training on veterans’ healthcare needs.
  • Working closely with charities such as Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), Veterans Community Network (VCN), and SSAFA.
  • Promoting employment opportunities for veterans and service leavers through the Step into Health programme.
  • Raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant throughout the organisation.

Chris Bown, Interim Executive Managing Director at QEH, said: “Our hospital proudly honours our commitment to the Armed Forces community, a bond that runs deep in our values. The successful review as a Veteran Aware Trust is a reflection of our ongoing promise to those who serve — that they, and their families, will always receive the respect, understanding, and support they deserve.”

Carly West-Burnham, Director of Strategy and Integration and Executive Lead for Veterans at QEH, added:

“This review demonstrates the strength of our partnerships with local organisations and charities, and the dedication of our Armed Forces Champions who help embed support for veterans and serving personnel across the Trust.”

QEH was first accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust in 2020 and also holds the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The hospital continues to develop new initiatives, including work with RAF Marham  and plans to offer work experience placements for local cadets.

The Trust’s Armed Forces Forum meets monthly and welcomes participation from staff, veterans, and local organisations who wish to contribute ideas or support ongoing projects. 

Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.