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CAMPAIGN Summer 2021
The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA)
and the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association
The following is taken from: https://veteranaware.nhs.uk/vcha-and-the-british-nuclear-test-veterans-association
We are pleased to announce that the BNTVA is working with Major Ian Razzell and his team to provide our nuclear test veterans and their families in England with the correct healthcare and understanding through NHS England. The input and assistance from the VCHA will be part of a multi-faceted approached to receive thorough care for veterans and their families. Ian made it very clear at the BNTVA Conference that wives, widows and children of nuclear test veterans are part of the work of the VCHA.
“The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) delivered the keynote presentation to the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) at its Annual Conference at Telford on 11 August 2021.
East of England Regional Lead, Ian Razzell, received a warm response following his presentation to
significant numbers of the charity for nuclear veterans. Ian shared the principles of the work of the VCHA with those he describes as “an extraordinary community that spans those physically involved with the tests, right through to the children of those who served, many of whom were born years after family members had returned home.”
Ian, a former Army Officer and veteran himself, described the successes of the VCHA in already accrediting over 80 NHS Trusts in England, and was able to describe the services that already exist and the mechanisms for referral and review by NHS colleagues.
Furthermore, he shared Rehabilitation work that is progressing well as part of the VCHA project. Ian said: “Many people were concerned about accessing care, and particularly
illness and injury that has developed since the tests took place, both with the veterans themselves and their children.”
He continued: “There were searching questions around Moral Injury for those who served and illness in children of veterans who took part in the tests. The VCHA has agreed to engage further in these two areas and to report back to the BNTVA.
The Rehabilitation team has also been put in touch with the charity.” The value of attending this Conference was significant, both for the veterans and for the VCHA. We look forward to further interaction and attending further events.
Ceri McDade, Chair of the BNTVA, added: "The feedback we have received is all positive, and I know that you have encouraged our veterans and families of the importance of Veterans' Aware accreditation and services. I look forward to engaging further, particularly concerning the health effects of Moral Injury".
More details of the work of the BNTVA can be found at www.bntva.com.