Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is introducing a new initiative which aims to ensure that patients who are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces and Veterans, are offered the specific care and support they need.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity has funded 1,000 magnetic poppies at a cost £870, which can be displayed on patients’ bedside boards to make staff aware that they are serving or veterans of the Armed Forces.

The Trust is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and has been awarded Veteran Aware Status, demonstrating its commitment to ensure that those who serve, or who have served, in the UK armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Trust is also one of five NHS Employers in the North West who have been awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme for demonstrating a considered commitment to our Armed Forces community.

Debbie Tickle, Recruitment Manager, says, “We are implementing a training programme for frontline staff to support their understanding of the specific challenges members of the armed forces and veterans face, and how this can affect their healthcare. The training will support staff in identifying patients who are currently serving, or who are veterans, and the magnetic poppies will function as a visual reminder to staff and promote discussions and make connections between staff and patients about service life.”

Paula Wilson, Head of Charities says, “Thanks to our very generous supporters and donors, we are proud to support the Trust’s commitment to supporting those who have given so much for our country. We will be always grateful, and we are delighted that the magnetic poppies will ensure our serving armed forces and veteran patients receive the specific care and support they need while they are at The Trust.”