Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has proudly received accreditation as an NHS Veteran Aware trust, a designation awarded by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) National Steering Group. This recognition highlights the trust's exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community and its ongoing efforts to support veterans and their families.
The National Steering Group, which is comprised of representatives from the Office of Veterans Affairs, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and subject-matter experts including veterans and patient participants, praised Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust for exceeding the requirements of the Armed Forces Act 2021 and the Armed Forces Covenant Duty. The group's evaluation noted the trust’s profound understanding and strategic implementation of Armed Forces principles across its organization, a feat that was commended for its thoroughness and dedication.
In particular, the steering group recognised the leadership of Moira Mitchell and Ellie Thomas for their role in ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community faces disadvantage when accessing healthcare or employment within the trust. Their dedication to these values has not only strengthened the trust's culture but has also ensured that the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant are deeply embedded in the organization's ethos.
This accreditation marks a significant milestone in the trust's journey to better serve veterans and their families. The National Steering Group congratulated Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust on this achievement and expressed eagerness to continue working together to honor the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community.