Veterans' Health

How were these priorities set?

This Priority Setting Partnership heard from veterans, their family members, carers and health and care professionals about all aspects of physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

The partnership was led by veterans, family members, charities and health professionals and supported by the Office for Veterans' Affairs.  The Office for Veterans' Affairs leads UK Government efforts to make sure the UK is the best place to be a veteran, anywhere in the world.

A veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day in the UK Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

The Priority Setting Partnership formed in late 2022 and consulted with veterans, families and carers, and health professionals using a survey that closed in April 2023.   The responses to this informed a list of summary research questions.  The next stage asked veterans, families, friends, carers and health professionals to choose the most important questions from that list.    The final list of priorities were agreed in a workshop in early September 2023 and will be announced soon. 

Here is what one of the workshop participants said about the day:

" The day was truly memorable for me, and it was an honour to be part of such a crucial decision-making event.  At moments, the magnitude of the occasion did feel intense and over-whelming.  After previewing the attendee list, I had some initial reservations, wondering if individual motivations might dominate.  However, the reality was much different.  It was heartening to witness the collective desire to prioritise the entire Veteran community and further research on their behalf.  I must also commend you and your team.  The balance you maintained in ensuring every opinion was considered, without any overshadowing others, truly speaks volumes about the integrity of the JLA. "