ABSTRACT
The policy framework for meeting the health and social care needs of the Armed Forces, their families and veterans has developed over many years, reflecting the changing face of conflicts over this past century (and more) and the way in which health services are delivered to the population of the UK. Recent conflicts in the Balkans, Gulf Wars and Afghanistan have re-focused the attention of the public, politicians, the media and government on the way in which the healthcare of the Armed Forces community is delivered, and particularly the mental health of those who serve in the Armed Forces and their subsequent lives as veterans. This chapter discusses the policy and services that have been put in place to address the mental health and other needs of veterans, and explains what is meant by a 'veteran' and the boundaries in which NHS services are provided.
