St Luke's proudly announces commitment to becoming Veteran Aware

St Luke's Hospice is proud to announce its commitment to becoming a Veteran Aware organisation, reinforcing its dedication to delivering personalised, respectful and informed care to members of the Armed Forces community.

The St Luke's Armed Forces Champion Team, led by Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead. | St Luke's Hospice

placeholder image — The St Luke's Armed Forces Champion Team, led by Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead. | St Luke's Hospice

Earlier this year, St Luke's signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a public pledge recognising and supporting those who serve, or have served, in the military, as well as their families.

As part of this commitment, the hospice has established a dedicated Armed Forces Champion Team, bringing together colleagues from across the organisation to lead its journey towards Veteran Aware accreditation.

Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead, with the Remembrance Day display in St Luke's Hospice Chapel. | St Luke's Hospice

By signing the Covenant, St Luke's is now eligible to self-nominate for the Bronze Award within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, joining a growing number of hospices across the country that are demonstrating their support for the Armed Forces community.

People who have been in the armed forces can face extra challenges around accessing palliative and end of life care. They might experience mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), financial hardship and isolation.

Through its Veteran Aware commitment, St Luke's aims to better understand how best to support patients, carers, family members, staff and volunteers with a military background.

As part of this work, St Luke's will provide dedicated training and education for clinical teams, helping staff to recognise and address the needs of those with a military background. The hospice will also continue to strengthen partnerships with local healthcare professionals, including GPs and District Nurses, to ensure veterans receive seamless, joined-up support.

St Luke's marks Remembrance Day with a moment of silence. | St Luke's Hospice

Alongside this practical commitment, St Luke's will continue to honour and celebrate the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel through a programme of commemorative events.

Annual Remembrance and Armed Forces Day services are held in the hospice Chapel, bringing together patients, families, volunteers and staff in reflection and remembrance. The hospice also marks occasions such as VE Day and, this year, will host a dedicated veterans' Coffee Morning.

Leading the Armed Forces Champion Team is Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead at St Luke's Hospice.

Amanda said: "We are at the beginning of our journey towards Veteran Aware accreditation, but we are incredibly proud to demonstrate our commitment to the Armed Forces community.

"By embedding these standards into everyday practice, we can ensure we are providing the very best support for veterans, those currently serving, and their families. We look forward to sharing updates as we progress and continue our commitment to delivering compassionate, dignified care to everyone who needs us."