THE trust which runs Basingstoke hospital has been recognised for its commitment to helping veterans, reservists and members of the armed forces, and their families.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) has been accredited as running ‘Veteran Aware’ hospitals.

The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance (VCHA), acknowledges the commitment of the trust – which run Basingstoke hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester - to a number of key pledges, including supporting veterans, reservists and service families by making them aware of appropriate charities or NHS services, and ensuring staff are aware of the possible needs of veterans.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for our commitment to caring for members of the armed forces within our local community and I am incredibly proud of the care our staff provide to support these patients.

“We continue to look at the best ways to work with our patients, charities and other organisations to provide the best possible care to all of our patients, including those within the armed forces community.”

The trust is now one of 33 members of the VCHA and is part of only the second wave of trusts to be accredited.

Professor Tim Briggs CBE, co-chair of the VCHA, said: “These trusts should be very proud of the commitment they have made to the servicemen and women of this country. Welcoming them into the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance is a major step towards our aim of ensuring every NHS trust in the country is Veteran Aware.”

The VCHA was inspired by the heroism of Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, a doctor who gave his life rescuing men on the battlefields of the First World War.