East Midlands Ambulance Service secures Veteran Aware status in time for Remembrance Day

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has been named as one of five NHS trusts across the UK which have been accredited as 'Veteran Aware' in time for Remembrance Day.

The prestigious accreditation is awarded by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) - a group of NHS healthcare providers in England committed to providing the best standards of care for the Armed Forces community.

The award indicates that EMAS signed up to the ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a guarantee by the nation that those who serve, or who have served, in the Armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. 

EMAS joins London Ambulance Service and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in becoming the latest in 129 accredited NHS trusts in the country.

Richard Henderson, Chief Executive at EMAS, said: "I am delighted that the work that EMAS undertakes in supporting our pledges to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Veteran Covenant Heath Care Alliance has been rewarded by being presented with "Veteran Aware" accreditation, especially at such a poignant time of the year when we will be gathering to remember all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice as part of serving their country.

"Achieving this accreditation is the next step in our journey to support veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families with the best care possible."

This latest success comes just a couple of weeks after EMAS was presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award demonstrating their commitment to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.