As the country pauses to reflect this Remembrance Day, a Birmingham hospital is making sure veterans don’t just get remembered, but are actively supported when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
“No veteran should be left waiting in pain. Remembrance Day reminds us not just to honour those who served, but to care for those still living with the impact of service.”
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, which opened last year and currently has some of the lowest NHS waiting times for first appointments, has made a firm commitment to helping veterans access timely, compassionate treatment. Led by a team that includes ex-military staff, the hospital is urging veterans to use their right to patient choice – a national policy that allows patients to switch their NHS referral and be treated sooner at a hospital with shorter waiting lists.
At the helm of the hospital’s veteran work is Hospital Director, Samantha Doubleday, who served 16 years as a Royal Air Force Nursing Officer before moving into healthcare management. She now leads Practice Plus Group’s national Veteran Aware Programme, promoting Armed Forces-aware care across its 12 hospitals and surgical centres — including embedding the Veterans Charter into everyday practice.
“No veteran should be left waiting in pain,” Samantha said. “Remembrance Day reminds us not just to honour those who served, but to care for those still living with the impact of service.
Veterans deserve fair access to treatment, understanding from those who’ve walked in their shoes, and the dignity of being seen and heard.”
Under her leadership, the Birmingham hospital has become a model for Veteran Aware care, from Service Champions who identify and support veterans and serving personnel, to visible reminders of the Veterans Charter displayed throughout the building.
“Having someone who understands the Armed Forces world creates an instant connection,” Samantha added. “It helps people feel safe and valued, and that’s often the first step to recovery.”
“We’re encouraging veterans who may be waiting months elsewhere to ask their GP about switching their referral. It’s often a simple process that can save people from unnecessary pain.”
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham is now calling on veterans and their families to speak to their GP about patient choice – a right that allows NHS patients to be referred to any hospital in England that offers the treatment they need, including independent providers like Practice Plus Group.
With its Veteran Aware accreditation and short waiting times, the hospital says more veterans could benefit from faster, tailored treatment, just like Derrick Clarke with his hip replacement surgery.
“We’re encouraging veterans who may be waiting months elsewhere to ask their GP about switching their referral,” Samantha said. “It’s often a simple process that can save people from unnecessary pain.”
Four of Practice Plus Group’s hospitals – Birmingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton – are now officially Veteran Aware accredited by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, recognising their ongoing commitment to Armed Forces-friendly care.
The group’s teams also connect patients with national services such as Op COURAGE (mental health) and Op RESTORE (rehabilitation), while hosting community events such as Banter and Brew Days to bring veterans, staff and families together.
Tony Armstrong, from the VCHA, said: “It’s inspiring to see independent healthcare providers like Practice Plus Group embracing the Veterans Charter and helping us expand the reach of Armed Forces-aware care across the UK.”
