Opening Hours
| SystmOnline
| Contact Us
CQC Rating Good
Armed Forces Veterans Practice
Budleigh Salterton Medical Centre is a Veteran Friendly Practice. Our lead veteran GP is Dr Brian Taylor.
It is important to us that we meet your needs and follow the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.
Please let the surgery know if you are a Veteran.
Patient charter: our commitment to you as a veteran of the UK Armed Forces
The NHS is here to help improve your health and wellbeing and keep you mentally and physically well. It is also here to help you get better when you are ill and, when you cannot fully recover, to stay as well as you can until the end of your life.
This means that you can expect the following from our practice:
- We will ask all patients if they have served in the UK Armed Forces (as a regular or reservist). If you have, we will note this in your medical record, with your permission.
- We will ask you to share details of your time in service to help us to assess the best support and treatment for you.
- The information you share will be kept confidential and we will always speak to you before sharing this with other services you may be referred to.
- You can make an appointment to see our clinical lead for veteran’s health. This person has a comprehensive understanding of the Armed Forces, health conditions linked to service, and the dedicated support you can access.
- The NHS has a duty to support the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant. This means that you will get priority treatment for any medical condition which has been caused by your service, subject to the clinical needs of other patients.
- We will let you know what choices are available for your care and treatment and help you to make informed decisions on what to do.
- Where appropriate and with your consent, we can refer you to dedicated veterans health services.
- If you need to be seen by another service, we will let them know you’re a veteran and make sure they have an understanding of your health and wellbeing needs, so you don't have to keep repeating your 'personal story'.
- We can give advice and support to your loved ones who may be affected by your health conditions.
- We will investigate any issues and complaints that you may have about your care. If you have any concerns about the services we offer, please speak to one of the practice team.
To find out more, please speak to our practice manager or one of our GPs or nurses.
If you would like to provide feedback on how we are performing as a veteran friendly GP practice, please let a member of our staff know or you can send your comments to the Royal College of General Practitioners at Veterans@rcgp.org.uk
For information on health services for the Armed Forces community, please visit the NHS website.
NHS Op COURAGE: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.
It does not matter if you’re due to leave the Armed Forces, just left the Armed Forces or left many years ago. Op COURAGE are here to help and understand the courage it takes to speak to someone.
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans Gateway provides a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support.
There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be tricky. The Veterans Gateway makes it quick and easy by being your first point of contact for whatever support you need, whether you are based in the UK or abroad.
Many of their team are veterans themselves so they understand the issues that people face after leaving the Armed Forces. They work with people on a one-to-one basis, connecting them with the right support as soon as possible. Their contact number is 0808 802 1212.
RMA - The Royal Marines Charity
Once a Marine, Always a Marine. The Royal Marines Charity offering help to serving Marines and Veterans.
SSAFA
The Devon Branch of SSAFA, who provide lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the British Armed Forces. Their contact number is 0800 731 4880.
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion are locally based and can be contacted on 0808 802 8080.
Big White Wall
Big White Wall is a free online mental health resource.
Mental Health
A service supporting veterans who are concerned about their mental health.
Physical Injuries
The Veterans Trauma Network provides care and treatment to those who have been injured during their time in the armed forces.
Samaritans Veterans App
Samaritans Veterans is a free app that can provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces
Self Help
- Online Consultation
- A-Z Health Conditions
- A-Z Health & Care Video Library
- Blood and Organ Donation
- Contraception & Sexual Health
- Menopause & HRT
- Pinpoint Community Directory
- Teens and Young Adults
- Young Person's Questionnaire
- Veterans
Support
- Bereavement
- Crisis Cafe
- Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse
- Drug and Alcohol Services
- Information for Carers
- Mental Health
Guides
- An Alternative to Pain Management - Sean's Story
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders
- Back Pain
- Exercise and Movement
- Fast Track Referrals
- How to Age Well
- How to Live Well
- Self-Help Guides
Health Tools
Pinpoint Community Directory
We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience.
By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Cookie policy.
Cookie settings.
Functional Cookies
Functional Cookies are enabled by default at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings and ensure site works and delivers best experience.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.