Findings health services after discharge
When you leave the Armed Forces, your healthcare – and that of your family, where appropriate – becomes the responsibility of the NHS.
As part of the discharge process, you will be given a F Med 133 form at your final medical. You must hand this in when registering with a GP, as it allows your medical records to be requested from the Ministry of Defence.
First point of contact
Forcesline offers a free and confidential telephone and email service for current and former service personnel and their families.
Registering with local health services
If you're moving to or living in Gloucestershire, register with local NHS services as soon as possible to avoid any gaps in care or medication. You can use the NHS website to find:
Your pharmacist can help with minor illnesses and injuries and recommend over-the-counter medicines.
If you cannot find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, call NHS England’s Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233.
For urgent medical advice, call NHS 111 at any time.
Tips for accessing NHS care as a veteran
- When you register with an NHS GP, tell them that you are a military veteran so they can put
- Tell your GP you are a veteran so they can include this in your medical notes and request your military health records. Some GP surgeries have staff trained in military health needs.
- Register with a GP as soon as possible after leaving the military – don’t wait until you need urgent care.
- Provide your F Med 133 and any other paperwork from your military medical centre to help transfer your records.
- Ask for a printout of your medical notes at your final military medical, especially if you are receiving hospital care or complex treatment.
- NHS confidentiality rules apply – you can speak openly with your GP or nurse.
- With your consent, your GP may refer you to service charities such as SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, BLESMA or Help for Heroes for additional support.
- Veterans may be entitled to priority treatment for conditions caused by military service, such as hearing loss or injuries sustained while serving.
- Being flagged as a veteran in your NHS records can help you access specialist services, including those for mental health, limb loss, hearing loss and mobility support.
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