Veterans 'Excluded' From Accessing Defence Rehabilitation Centre

A military charity is calling for veterans to be allowed more access to the specialist Defence Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall.

The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), which will be known as the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre once fully open, primarily offers support to serving forces personnel and to some veterans experiencing issues with their prosthetics are able to apply for access.

However, Help For Heroes says "it is not an efficient process" and wants ex-servicemen and women with other issues to be given access.

The charity's CEO, Mel Waters, said some veterans feel "let down at being excluded" from being able to use the facilities.

"Former service personnel with extensive musculoskeletal injuries, ongoing physiotherapy, neurological and orthotic support needs also deserve to access this specialist support," she said.

The Nottinghamshire facility was formally gifted to the nation by the Duke of Cambridge last year.

Video: Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood says the NHS is ready to "provide support" to veterans.

Speaking to Forces News at the new facility, Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said veterans do receive the "same support and service" as serving personnel but not at Stanford Hall.

Mr Ellwood said the NHS, which he described as the "best health service in the world", is there to "provide support" to veterans who have "injuries or issues that need to be looked after".

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Forces News: "While the DMRC has been purpose-built for service personnel, some veterans can be referred for assessment of complex prosthetic issues by the NHS."

The MOD spokesperson also stated that the DMRC is run in a similar way to the now-closed Headley Court.