Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust (DGT) is dedicated to ensuring that serving military personnel, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged in their care and treatment.
We recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families can bring to our workforce. We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, proudly holding Bronze Award.
Click here to view our certification and the signed covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment made by the UK government to ensure that members of the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in any way compared to the rest of the population. The covenant recognises the sacrifices and contributions made by the armed forces and aims to address any disadvantage or discrimination they may face when accessing public services, employment, healthcare, education and housing.
We pledge to promote the fact that we are armed forces friendly, supporting the employment of the armed forces and their families recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process and offering flexible working opportunities.
The Trust demonstrates commitment to the covenant in the following ways;
- Access to healthcare: the covenant ensures that members of the armed forces community have equal access to healthcare services. DGT ensures that no member of the armed forces community is disadvantaged in the provision of healthcare compared to other citizens. This includes making sure members (and their families) retain their relative position on any NHS waiting list if they are moved around the UK.
- Priority Treatment: DGT recognises that in some cases, military personnel and veterans may require priority treatment due to service-related injuries or conditions. Expedited care will be provided when required.
- Training and Awareness: DGT provides access to training and awareness programmes for staff to better understand the unique needs and experiences of military personnel and veterans.
- Employment Opportunities: DGT employs a diverse range of personnel, including veterans. The Trust will consider veterans for job opportunities and support the transition from military to civilian careers.
DGT is currently working towards achieving the Veteran Aware accreditation to demonstrate that we have agreed to be exemplars of the best care for, and support to, the armed forces’ community.
Download the Forces Connect mobile app
Fireworks may seem like a festive way to celebrate, but for Armed Forces Veterans with PTSD, they can be a source of intense distress.
For these Veterans, the loud sounds and bright lights of fireworks can trigger the brain into reliving the chaos of war.
We have compiled this list of resources to help support those in need:
- Help for Heroes and Combat Stress call for tougher firework restrictions | Help For Heroes
- The Firework Heroes Code | Help For Heroes
- Tips on coping with fireworks | Combat Stress
- What Fireworks Mean for a UK Veteran (ptsdresolution.org)
Urgent support for those in crisis
- Samaritans - Freephone their Veterans Support Hub for the military community on 0808 175 3075 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts
- Shout - A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258
- NHS 111 - To access medical help fast when it's not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.
- Combat Stress - For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 138 1619