What you can expect

Once the on-line referral form has been received at the Hub at Cardiff or a paper copy of the Referral Form (received by the relevant LHB). The veteran will be contacted by telephone call as soon as possible by telephone in the first instance (if possible), email, or letter to arrange a suitable time for an assessment interview with the local Veterans Therapist (VT).

The assessment will take place in a suitable location near to the veterans’ home where possible, or via video conference call or telephone.

During the assessment, which may last up to 90 minutes, the veteran will be asked to describe their current problems/symptoms and their effects on day to day activities. The assessment can be split into shorter meetings if requested.

Information will also be gathered regarding his/her background, military service and any previous difficulties.

Consent to access Military Service and Medical Records will be required to verify service and gain access to Veterans' NHS Wales.

Following the initial assessment an agreed management plan will be developed and the veteran supplied with relevant information on how they can be assisted and/or treated. This management plan will also be sent to the individuals GP. If required, other NHS specialist services will be contacted on behalf of the veteran to provide an evidenced based treatment package.

NB: we require the veterans service number. Please advise the veteran this will be used to verify their service in the Armed Forces

Guidance Notes on completing the referral form:

Referral Advice to Organisations such as Social Services, Veterans UK, RBL, CAB and SSAFA

1.  Veterans or reservists with mild mental health difficulties should be encouraged to present to their General Practitioner for assessment and appropriate management.

2.  Veterans and reservists with service related mental health needs that are believed to require more specific care should be referred to Veterans’ NHS Wales via the on-line referral form above.

3.  Veterans or reservists requiring urgent or emergency assessment (e.g. posing a significant risk to themselves or others) should be referred to their GP, local mental health crisis service or local Emergency Unit.

4.  Veterans or reservists with non service related mental health difficulties or conditions requiring input from other specialist mental health services (e.g. dementia, psychosis, substance dependence) should be encouraged to present to their General Practitioner for assessment and appropriate management.

5.    We are happy to offer consultation and advice regarding veterans who present to, or may struggle to present to, other NHS services.

6.   Veterans can be referred to VNHSW health board team based on their GP practice health board. Veterans living on the English side of the border who are registered with a GP in a Wales health board are eligible for referral.

Summary

Any veteran in Wales presenting with service-related mental health needs is eligible to be assessed on a non-urgent basis by VNHSW with their consent. Those with 'non-service related' mental health needs or service-related physical or general support needs will be signposted to alternative appropriate services.

Veterans are defined as anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve).

Veterans’ NHS Wales is a primary care mental health service for veterans presenting with service-related, mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma-related issues and who are willing and able to engage in out-patient psychological therapy.

Veterans meeting criteria for secondary care mental health services should be referred to the services within their University Health Board designated to provide care and treatment under Part Two or Part Three of the Mental Health Measure. Therefore, veterans presenting with more complex and enduring needs and who require a mental health professional to coordinate a package of care from multi-professional agencies and who are unlikely to respond to brief psychological therapy should be referred to local secondary mental health services.

Complex needs are defined as:

•    Requiring urgent assessment due to immediate risk issues to self or others
•    Severe Depression
•    Severe, Enduring Mental Illness such as Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bi-polar Disorder
•    Personality Disorders
•    Drug/alcohol dependency
•    Severe and enduring mental illnesses such as psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
•    Dementia and neurological brain disorder
•    Personality Disorder
•    Drug/alcohol dependency: veterans will not be excluded based on substance misuse alone. If a veteran presents with significant substance misuse problems, they should receive concurrent support from an appropriate substance misuse service
•    Meeting the criteria for care and treatment plans within secondary or tertiary care

 Veteran Therapists (VTs) can be approached by the relevant local health board for case discussion, advice, or regarding appropriateness of referral to Veterans’ NHS Wales prior to a referral being made. The VT can assist with networking Veterans with complex needs into other appropriate services.

If you wish you make a referral to Veterans’ NHS Wales, please choose from one of the options above to complete the online form. Veterans and Professionals wishing to self-refer by paper copy should email  admin.vnhswc&This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a paper copy.