The NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire is extending a supportive hand to military families in the region, offering dedicated assistance to navigate health and care-related issues.
With a significant number of military personnel residing in rural Wiltshire and beyond, the local NHS has joined the OpCommunity initiative, establishing a single point of contact for military families seeking personalised advice.
Military individuals and their loved ones can now directly contact the local NHS for guidance on any challenges hindering access to local services. OpCommunity aims to simplify healthcare navigation, particularly for families who have recently moved to the region from other parts of the country.
Richard Marshall, Armed Forces Single Point of Contact at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, expressed understanding of the challenges military families face. Marshall, an ex-serviceman himself, highlighted the potential overwhelm experienced by families adjusting to new locations and the associated tasks, such as registering with a new GP practice and transferring medical records.
Participation in OpCommunity allows military families to access the heart of the local NHS, providing answers to queries, directions to appropriate services, and assistance with any issues acting as barriers to care.
For support, families can reach out via telephone at 07880 300 035 or through email at bswicb.afspoc@nhs.net.
An online form on the ICB website is also available for submitting details and generating a callback.
The ICB website contains comprehensive information on local health and care services, including details about hospitals, GP practices, and guidance on accessing seasonal healthcare, such as flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
Explore more at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk, ensuring military families have easy access to the assistance they need in the region.
