Southampton and Portsmouth achieve 'Veteran Aware' accreditation
Last updated on 05/01/2026 We are delighted to announce that two more Secondary Care sites have been officially accredited as Veteran Aware, recognising their commitment to delivering safe, informed and personalised care to veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
“It’s about building appreciation and understanding. This programme helps our wider workforce understand where we’re coming from, what we’ve been through, and why we may respond the way we do. That awareness makes a huge difference.”
Natalie Gray, former Royal Navy healthcare professional
Led by two former Royal Navy healthcare professionals- Natalie Rickaby in Southampton and Natalie Gray in Portsmouth- the sites have worked hard to build inclusive, veteran-aware environments for both staff and patients that go beyond the accreditation standard.
At the heart of the initiative is a network of Service Champions—staff members from a range of backgrounds, not just veterans, who have undertaken free national training to better understand and support the Armed Forces community. The training is open to anyone connected to or interested in helping veterans, serving personnel, and their families, and has been described by staff as “eye-opening” and “emotional but empowering.” Champions receive a badge and lanyard to make themselves easily identifiable to patients and colleagues who may need support or signposting.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by staff interest,” said Natalie Rickaby. “Every department wants to be involved. Some of our champions have no prior connection to the Forces—they just want to understand and help. That’s what makes this so special.”
Natalie Gray adds: “It’s about building appreciation and understanding. Veteran staff bring another perspective to the roles from previous lived experiences. This programme helps our wider workforce understand where we’re coming from, what we’ve been through, and why we may respond the way we do. That awareness makes a huge difference.”
Recent stories from patients include a young Royal Navy serviceman fast-tracked for surgery to enable overseas deployment, and a lonely veteran who found support through a simple conversation with a trained Service Champion. Posters, veteran-awareness prompts and alerts in clinical systems now help identify Armed Forces patients early, opening up quicker access to national services like Op COURAGE (mental health) and Op RESTORE (physical rehabilitation).
The teams are also building strong ties with local and national Armed Forces organisations. From Royal British Legion partnerships to citizens advice outreach and upcoming business networking events during Armed Forces Week, Practice Plus Group is embedding a support system that extends beyond hospital walls.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work taking place across our hospitals to achieve Veteran Aware accreditation. It’s fantastic to see how passionately our teams in Portsmouth and Southampton have embraced this work, following on from Plymouth’s recognition last year, and how it’s already making a meaningful impact on patient experience.”
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham
“This is just the beginning,” said Natalie Gray. “We’re working on Armed Forces-friendly work placements, developing pathways for those leaving service, and promoting the healthcare career opportunities we offer. We want veterans and serving families to know: you are welcome here, and we get it.”
This week the teams are celebrating their accreditation with dedicated Armed Forces Week events, including revealing their plaques, bake sales, bunting and balloons. Portsmouth’s celebrations coincided with the senior exec roadshow on Tuesday, where Jim Easton, CEO, and Ross Dowsett, COO, unveiled the new Veteran Aware plaque alongside service champions.
NHS Veteran Aware is delivered by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) based at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. The programme is funded by the Armed Forces Team at NHS England.
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director at the new Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, is driving Secondary Care’s VA programme forward having undertaken a 16-year career in the Royal Air Force as a Nursing Officer.
Samantha said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work taking place across our hospitals to achieve Veteran Aware accreditation. It’s fantastic to see how passionately our teams in Portsmouth and Southampton have embraced this work, following on from Plymouth’s recognition last year, and how it’s already making a meaningful impact on patient experience. We’re now building on this momentum, sharing best practice and embedding veteran-aware care across all our hospitals and surgical centres.”
