Government Confirms New Proposals To Help Servicemen

The government’s plans to introduce specialist prosthetic and rehabilitation centres for military veterans who have suffered serious injuries while serving their country have been welcomed by experts at Irwin Mitchell.

Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed that ministers will work with charities and specialists in the NHS as part of proposals to invest up to £15 million into the services available for amputees who have lost limbs during active service.

The aim is for the new centres across the country to offer services to the same standard as the Headley Court facility, while feedback and experience gained through the project will then be used to improve specialist services for all patients across the NHS.

Andrew Buckham, a Partner in Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Armed Forces team who acts for injured service personnel and the families of those who have died while serving their country, welcomed the plans.

He said: “Armed forces make a huge sacrifice while serving their country and it is an unfortunate truth that suffering serious injury on duty can have a major physical and psychological impact on servicemen and women.

“All personnel who have suffered injury deserve access to the best possible care and we often fight to ensure that both victims and their families get the support and care they need to readjust to life after suffering a serious injury.

“The government’s move to increase the availability of specialist services is a huge step towards ensuring that those who need prosthetics and rehabilitation will get the help they need, while there is the indication that the NHS as a whole will benefit in the long run.”