Oswestry’s Orthopaedic Hospital veterans’ centre would be first
A Shropshire hospital could become the first in the UK to open a dedicated Forces Veterans Centre, after its board members voiced their support for the plans.
At the latest meeting of Oswestry's Orthopaedic Hospital, the board of directors confirmed they were supportive of the scheme.
The specialist hospital already runs hip and knee clinics for ex-servicemen and women.
Hospital chief executive Mark Brandreth said: "A business case has been made and various options had been identified.
"Although no action is being taken at the moment, as we need to identify sources of financing the centre."
Mr Brandreth requested that following the meeting, Kerry Robinson, director of strategy and planning for the Trust, would investigate sources of funding for the centre.
At a meeting of the Trust board earlier this year, orthopaedic consultant Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer said former servicemen appreciated being treated by medical staff with an insight into the military.
He said: "The hip and knee service we now offer at this hospital is extremely popular and is itself the first of its kind in the UK.
"We have treated patients from as far afield at Scotland and Devon and have had interest from veterans in Germany, America and Canada.
"The patients say that a serving officer will have a better understanding of their needs and Oswestry is already a centre of excellence with low infection rates.
"A dedicated centre here offering more than the hip and knee surgery will bridge the gap between the NHS and the military. Oswestry has a great military history and in fact Robert Jones was a Brigadier and the head of medical services in World War One."
