SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase

NHS

Updated on

Healthcare provision

website    https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/ 

 

All health care provision for UK Veterans and their families is delivered by the National Health Service (NHS). 

Assistance Providers do not provide grants for ongoing Medical or Care Costs. In exceptional circumstances AP’s may consider one off medical cost on a case by case basis. Please contact [email protected] to discuss particular beneficiaries.

Claiming for hospital transport costs

Website     https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs/

You may be able to claim for the cost of transport to hospital through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) if you're referred for specialist NHS treatment or tests.

Who can claim?

To qualify for help with travel costs under the HTCS, you must meet 3 criteria:

At the time of your appointment, you or your partner (including civil partner) must receive one of the qualifying benefits or meet the eligibility criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Complaints

England         

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

 

If you're not happy with an NHS service, you can make a complaint. 

You should complain to the person or organisation providing the service first, such as the GP, dentist, hospital or pharmacist. 

Or you can complain via the relevant authority listed above.

PALS - Patient Advice and Liaison Service

Website     https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/patient-advice-and-liaison-services-pals

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters.

They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.

PALS can:

  • help with health related questions
  • help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS
  • tell you how to get more involved in your own healthcare

PALS can give you information about:

  • the NHS
  • the NHS complaints procedure, including how to get independent help if you want to make a complaint
  • support groups outside the NHS
PTS - Patient Transport Service

Website     How to organise transport to and from hospital - NHS

Please see the websitefor information including eligibility and local search.

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