The Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) is now called Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service.
This brings the service in line with other Armed Forces healthcare services provided by the NHS in England, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service; Op NOVA; Supporting Veterans in the Justice System and, most recently Op COMMUNITY; Armed Forces Community Support, helping to build a recognisable suite of services.
The decision to rename the VTN, Op RESTORE, was informed by engagement with veterans, providers and charities over several months. We hope it will encourage people to feel confident in the NHS referral pathways.
Whilst there are some things the NHS will not be able to restore in full, we aim to support veterans to restore their health and quality of life as best we can.
Op RESTORE is a service for anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces and acquired a significant, lasting physical illness or injury as a result of their service.
Op RESTORE will continue to accept only GP referrals; GPs can obtain a referral form by emailing imperial.oprestore@nhs.net – this will be worth considering for those of you who are transiting out of Defence in the next couple of years.
Op RESTORE uses a network of both civilian and military consultants, along with welfare support from military charities, to support a veteran’s health using a holistic approach.
Whilst Op RESTORE cannot shorten NHS waiting times, it seeks to ensure the veteran ‘waits well’ and is seen by the most appropriate clinician for their needs.
Richard Watson
Lt Col (Retd) Richard Watson | RAC Corps Secretary