Chase Cross Medical Centre is proud to support our Armed Forces community. Our Veteran Friendly accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest possible standard of care for patients who have served in the UK Armed Forces.

As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice, we:

• Have a dedicated clinical lead for veteran health

• Ask patients “Have you served?” to help identify veteran patients

• Support veterans in accessing dedicated health services

• Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

Please inform a member of staff if you, or your spouse or partner, have ever served in the UK Armed Forces so that we can best support your care needs.

The Veteran Friendly Practices Accreditation Scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Armed Forces Veterans

Veterans are defined as anyone who has served at least one day in the Royal Navy, Army, or Royal Air Force.

Experiences during service and the transition to civilian life can sometimes contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, as well as physical conditions including joint or musculoskeletal issues.

After leaving the Armed Forces, veterans may be eligible for specialist services related to their service.

Please let our reception team or clinician know if you are a veteran so this can be recorded in your medical notes and help you access appropriate support.

OpCourage – Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance

What is OpCourage?

OpCourage is the single access point for NHS veterans’ mental health services, bringing together:

• Veterans Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS)

• Veterans Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS)

• Veterans Mental Health High Intensity Service (HITS)

This name was introduced to make it easier for veterans and those leaving the Armed Forces to find and access support.

How OpCourage can help:

• Support Armed Forces families affected by mental health difficulties

• Identify and treat early signs of mental health problems and psychological trauma

• Help access wider NHS mental health services, including talking therapies (IAPT) and eating disorder services

• Connect veterans with charities and local organisations offering support with housing, employment, finances, relationships, substance misuse, and social wellbeing

You will be supported by staff with experience of working with veterans or who are from the Armed Forces community. A service number is required.

Who can access OpCourage?

To receive support, you must:

• Be resident in England

• Have served in the UK Armed Forces for at least one day

• Be registered with, or eligible to register with, a GP practice in England

• Provide your military service number

Contacting OpCourage:

You can access the service by:

• Self-referral

• Referral via a family member or friend

• GP referral

• Referral from a charity

North of England:
📞 0800 652 2867
📧 VTILS@cntw.nhs.uk