Here’s hoping veterans’ clinic earns the respect it deserves

For those who are not aware, Lt Col Meyer is a military surgeon attached to the hospital and he specialises in hips and knee surgery operating on civilians also when necessary.

I chose this hospital mainly not just for its renown in cleanliness and professionalism, also because it has a military veterans’ clinic, therefore I knew that my treatment would be more of a ‘we have your interest at heart’ attitude.

For those who have never served in the military it must be hard to appreciate the companionship and ‘part of the family’ feeling that one gains but also loses to an extent after leaving the forces no matter how long ago. This attitude was immediately conveyed to me by both the Col and his understudy, a lovely young Greek chap who have a seemingly perfect working relationship.

My day at the hospital was pleasantly enhanced when I learnt that the trust are considering opening a section of the building for veterans bearing in mind some of the terrible injuries these lads and lasses have sustained during their service. This facility would greatly help in their treatment and possibly shield them from other hospital users gawping at their disfigurements and disabilities, but mainly, they too would know that their wellbeing and health are number one priority at the facility.

So, all was well with my visit until I read in the Shropshire Star a letter from a correspondent who obviously has had no dealings with military discipline in his/her life and they were speaking without first doing their homework.

Their moan was that if the veterans’ clinic is built why should the NHS have to pay for it? They appear to be totally unaware of the assistance that the forces medical services give to the NHS including the number of surgeons attached to hospitals around the country, the military hospitals who also take in NHS patients, the skills of medical staff working in combat zones and how they have transferred their experience and learning to the NHS experiences which can only be learnt from ‘hands on’ work.

No need for me to rant on but as long as you adopt the ‘I’m all right Jack’ attitude, I’m sure you’ll survive (maybe some day with the help of the military!)

To the forward looking trust committee and members I say go for it and build the veterans facility, you’ll have the admiration of the country and others but more important, the gratitude and thanks of men and women who have served their country.

Mr Harry Copnall, Moreton, Wirral