Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) is committed to ensuring that veterans and the armed forces community enjoy equitable access to their health care needs.
In line with the Armed Forces Covenant, treatment decisions will be based on clinical need when the injury is service related and an Armed Forces background will be consciously considered to ensure patients are not disadvantaged.
If you are a veteran, reservist or service personnel please inform your doctor today!
If you need any further information following a referral please contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS) Team on:
Bridgend PALS: CTM.BridgendPALS@wales.nhs.uk 01656 754194
Merthyr PALS: CTM.MerthyrCynon.PALS@wales.nhs.uk 01685724468
Rhondda PALS: CTM.RhonddaTaffEly.PALS@wales.nhs.uk 01443 443039
The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring the healthcare needs of Service Personnel (past and present) are met.
This means your referral for diagnosis or treatment will receive special consideration if your medical condition is deemed to be related to your time in service.
While your eligibility for service-related consideration will be reviewed, your position on the waiting list is determined by clinical need.
You will never be placed ahead of a patient who has a greater immediate medical need than yourself.
Once triaged for an outpatient appointment, you must await your consultation based on the standard clinical prioritisation process.
Regular Personnel - Individuals currently serving.
Reservists - Includes Volunteer Reservists (RNR, RMR, Army Reserve, RAuxAF) and Regular Reservists (RFR, Army Reserve, RAF Reserve).
Veterans - Anyone who has served for at least one day in HM Armed Forces (Regular or Reservist).
Families of Regular Personnel, Reservists and Veterans - Primarily spouses, civil partners, and dependent children, though this can extend to parents and other family members where appropriate.
Bereaved - The immediate family of those who have died, regardless of whether the death was connected to their service.
In April 2013, additional guidelines were issued which relate to the position of serving personnel who require secondary healthcare treatment in England or across Local Health Board boundaries. The guidelines state “if a member of the Armed Forces, or their immediate families, are on an elective waiting list, and they get transferred to their LHB from anywhere in the UK, then the individual’s accrued waiting time should be carried forward with them”.
This will be considered, when evidence of waiting time is provided by armed forces members and their families.
1. Inform Your Doctor: Let them know if you have served, or are currently serving, in the British Armed Forces.
2. Your Right to Privacy: You do not have to disclose your status if you don't wish to. (Note: Being unaware may prevent specialist referral consideration.)
Consideration of referral to treatment for Armed Forces Personnel
3. Grant Permission (Recommended): If you agree, your doctor should include your service status in your referral letter.
There are several ways to gather additional information: Start by seeking advice from your doctor.
You can also reach out to Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS), depending on the location.
Royal Glamorgan Hospital 01443 443039 CTM.RhonddaTaffEly.PALS@wales.nhs.uk
Prince Charles Hospital 01685 724468 CTM.MerthyrCynon.PALS@wales.nhs.uk
Princess of Wales Hospital 01656 754194 CTM.BridgendPALS@wales.nhs.uk
Guidance is available on the Welsh Government’s website www.wales.gov.uk