Cornish hospital receives veteran aware status

Neill Wilson said the status was the result of "a lot of work"

A hospital has become the first in the Cornwall NHS trust to receive veteran aware status.

The accreditation for Helston Community Hospital means it can offer a range of services to the armed forces community.

Specific services include mental health guidance, hearing loss and limb amputation.

Neill Wilson, progress co-ordinator at the hospital, said the status was the result of "a lot of work".

'Very special'

He said: "If you get either a serving or an armed forces veteran coming to the hospital, and they see the veteran aware sign they will know that they will be supported.

"For example, if they have orthopaedic issues, they can be fast-tracked for knee replacements, hip replacements, also if they need any support at home, we can signpost them to the charities that support them in that way."

At a ceremony to mark the occasion, a plaque was unveiled by trust chief executive Debbie Richards and matron Lynda McHale.

Ms Richards said the occasion was "very special".

She said: "Our trust is committed to ensuring we promote the welfare of veterans, both in terms of our patients, people who use our services, but also the staff we have amongst us in our organisation."