Here at UHS we are committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, which means that we will make sure the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and ensure they aren't disadvantaged.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

A picture of the Major with a close up of someone's medals.

Who are the Armed Forces community (AFC)?

The Armed Forces Covenant defines the AFC as being made up of the following groups:

Regular personnel - individuals currently serving as members of the Naval Service (including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines), Army or Royal Air Force.

Reservists - part time volunteer reserves and regular reserves.

Veterans - those who have served for at least a day in HM Armed Forces, whether as a regular or reservist.

Families of regular personnel, reservists and veterans - the immediate family of those in the categories listed above. This is defined as spouses, civil partners and children for whom they are responsible but can, where appropriate, extend to parents, unmarried partners and other family members.

Bereaved - the immediate family of service personnel and veterans who have died, whether or not that death has any connection with the Service.

Veteran Aware

We are proud to have been recognised nationally as a Trust for our commitment to improving NHS care for people who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces and their families.

Our Trust is one of a group who are leading the way to ensure this group of patients are cared for by staff who have received specialist training on the specific health needs of military personnel and veterans.

In August 2025, we were pleased to be approved at our one year review as a Veteran Aware trust. This was based on the significant work undertaken in this area within our organisation, and a demonstration of our commitment to the military community. We are proud to have been able to show evidence of continuous improvement and raising awareness of the healthcare needs of the Armed Forces Community across wider teams and departments.

Find out more what being Veteran Aware means here.

Armed Forces Network

Find out more about the Armed Forces Network at UHS here.

Our Armed Forces community

Veteran Aware

Armed Forces Network