McGimpsey - Equal health access for armed forces

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today unveiled a new protocol for liaison between his Department and the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland.

The new protocol will ensure that members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans are not disadvantaged when seeking to access health and social care services.

Mr McGimpsey said: “I am determined that we in Northern Ireland ensure the support given to members of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans is, wherever possible, comparable to that available elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

“The Government’s 2008 Command Paper, 'The Nation's Commitment', challenged administrations across the UK to recognise the particular issues facing military personnel and their families when seeking to access public services. The obligation upon them to move frequently from base to base means that they often experience difficulties accessing health and social care services which do not arise for other people living here. The new protocol will provide an opportunity for my officials and Health and Social Care bodies to work with the Armed Forces and veterans’ organisations to resolve those difficulties.

The Department’s protocol was presented by the Health Minister to Kevan Jones MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans at a reception in Hillsborough Castle.

The Minister added: “Northern Ireland now has a peacetime environment with a garrison based here, and even though service personnel may be away on duty, their families remain part of our community. It is our duty as a society to look after them and ensure their health and social care needs are fully met.”

Notes to Editors:

• The protocol can be found on the DHSSPS website
• Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.