UK HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Understanding the structure
Healthcare across the UK is delivered through four national systems. While the structure and access routes vary slightly between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the purpose remains the same: helping people reach the care that best matches their needs.
This page highlights statutory healthcare services and official access points across the UK. Wider support from charities, community organisations, and non-statutory services can be found separately in the Find Support directory.
Op COURAGE (NHS England)
Op COURAGE provides specialist mental health support for serving personnel approaching discharge, reservists, veterans and their families. Self-referral is possible, though discussing support with your GP can help ensure care is coordinated. The service is delivered through regional teams listed below.
Northern Ireland
Healthcare and veteran support routes in Northern Ireland are organised differently from other parts of the UK. The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) provides information and signposting for veterans and families, and is a useful starting point for understanding current support routes.
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Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) provides independent and confidential welfare support for Armed Forces veterans and families/carers in Northern Ireland. The service can offer emotional and practical support, access to clinicians, and supported referrals to veteran-friendly agencies.
VETERANS FIRST POINT (NHS Scotland)
Veterans First Point is part of NHS Scotland and provides support for veterans and families through regional centres. The service combines veteran peer support with NHS-managed care, helping people access advice, welfare support, mental health support, and wider services.
Veterans and families can make contact directly by phone or by visiting a centre. Each centre operates locally, so the most current access details should be checked on the Veterans First Point website.
Veterans NHS Wales (VNHSW)
Veterans’ NHS Wales is an NHS Wales service for veterans with service-related mental health needs. It provides assessment and evidence-based psychological support through veteran therapists based across local health boards.
Veterans can self-refer online, or be referred by a GP, healthcare professional, or relevant support organisation. Local health board pages provide details for each area.
Veteran Trauma Network (Wales)
The Veteran Trauma Network Wales is for those whose physical health needs are linked to their time in service and require more specialist input than standard local care can provide.
This is not a self-referral route. Referrals are made by a GP, hospital clinician, or another professional involved in the person’s care. The referral should explain the injury or condition, how it links to service, and why specialist support is needed. For many people, care will remain within their local NHS service.
Veterans' Trauma Network Wales becomes relevant where the need is more complex, specialist review is required, or a cross-border referral may be considered.