NHSGGC and DMWS in partnership to support our armed forces veterans

Standing by and ready to help Veterans in Dunbartonshire and elsewhere.

By Lucy Ashton

The local health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), is partnering with Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to provide welfare support to veterans and their families receiving care in NHSGGC hospitals.

Julie Murray, Chief Officer of East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and the NHSGGC Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, said:

“NHSGGC is committed to honouring its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, which it signed on 7 March 2022.  An extension of this pledge is a commitment to provide welfare support to veterans undergoing treatment in our hospitals.  Partnering with DMWS who provide specialist welfare services, means that those who have served in our Armed Forces now have access to DMWS Welfare Officers, who can provide tailored, specialist support to those who need it.”

DMWS Welfare Officers work with the patient when their medical needs are being met but other issues, problems or social influences may be distracting them from recovery. They can help navigate the healthcare pathway, unlocking solutions to improve wellbeing and in time to discharge and going home. This comprehensive and confidential medical welfare service supports patients, their immediate family, primary care givers and healthcare professionals.

This initiative has been made possible using funding primarily from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which has also allowed NHS Lothian to implement this service.

If you would like to know more or to access this service please contact:

National Response Service Helpline: 0800 999 3697
Email referrals: referrals@dmws.org.uk
Welfare Officer, Samantha Wilkie: swilkie@dmws.org.uk

Top picture: Veterans parade in Dumbarton. Picture by Bill Heaney