Sarah Dines MP has welcomed a new £5 million fund to pioneer healthcare treatments for veterans. It will support organisations looking to research and trial cutting-edge technology that can help veterans with complex healthcare needs. Organisations are being invited to apply for the funding to drive forward improvements by finding innovative surgical techniques, using data and technology to predict long-term health outcomes, and identifying solutions to current disparities in female veterans’ healthcare.
This funding has great potential to help wounded, injured or sick veterans rebuild their lives by pioneering treatments for the impact of pain, hearing loss, and visual impairment, as well as mid traumatic brain injury, blast injuries, and mental health issues, such as PTSD.
The funding delivers on one of the key commitments in the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan published in January; to better meet veteran healthcare needs. Successful projects will enable better future commissioning of treatments that could be available on the NHS. As part of this commitment, the Government is also working with the NHS to deliver England’s first complete mental health care pathway for veterans – Op COURAGE. The bidding process is overseen by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in the Cabinet Office. Applications are open until the 31st of August 2022. Details on how to apply for a portion of the fund can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-affairs-health-innovation-fund.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘I am passionate about supporting our veterans, which is why I am a member of Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans All-Party Parliamentary Groups. Since before my election I have supported the Royal British Legion in the constituency and do all I can to support our Armed Forces community.
The Veterans’ Health Innovation Fund will catalyse innovation in techniques that could transform the prospects of those who were injured while bravely serving our country. It will help to ensure veterans who have suffered physical injury or mental health challenges during their service can access the most innovative treatments and get the support that they deserve to live independent and fulfilling, civilian lives.’
