Local health and care board set to sign up to Armed Forces Covenant

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board is set to become the latest local organisation to sign up to a national scheme guaranteeing fair treatment for current and former armed forces personnel, and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation, which recognises the sacrifices made by those who serve or have served in either the regular military or the reserves, and their families.  It seeks to ensure that they are treated fairly in the provision of public and commercial services; in some cases, such as those who have been injured or bereaved, it also provides special consideration.

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“As the nation prepares to fall silent this weekend in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, I’m delighted to be able to announce that the Integrated Care Board has chosen to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“This demonstrates our commitment to supporting those who have served, or who are currently in the armed forces, and their families.”

Craig Lister, associate director and lead for veterans’ health at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“As a veteran myself who has suffered some health impacts from the role I had, I have received excellent treatment from my GP and Bedford Hospital.  I want to ensure other veterans have the same level of support that I enjoyed.”