Hitback
Lantern Swinger

Another option to the synopsis letter. This one may read better for you.... Please keep sending emails to your MP's asking them to sign EDM 361----
Thanks again to all rumration users and the site for supporting this new campaign.
More details in the medical discharge thread in the sticky... :!:
The following link will make locating your MP easy.
http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/index.cfm
Hitback
Dear ___________________
Reasons for reform
Although the Armed Forces have been Tri-Service for some time the MoD still run three separate Medical Discharge Boards for the three Armed Forces. Service personnel go through three Boards but only attend the final one before discharge.
Having three separate Medical Discharge Boards adds to greater cost to the public purse and confusion for those being discharged.
Many service personnel have little or no idea of how these Boards work before they arrive at one –this has been the case for decades and urgently needs reform.
When service personnel arrive at the final Board they have no idea what to say, who sits on the Medical Board, or what powers these Boards have. There is very little general advice or guidance from the MoD or other agency on the process service personnel undergo, their fundamental rights or reliable answers regarding discharge.
There is no automatic right for personnel to bring along a nominated colleague or friend or legal adviser so candidates can sometimes make catastrophic decisions about their future lives without advocate advise.
The degree or percentage of disability service personnel qualify for (important for realising how much compensation they will later receive) is not explained to them by the Medical Board. They are informed much later. There is no opportunity to book appointments with medical staff in order to formulate a medical plan for those in urgent need.
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) is not involved at any stage of the Medical Board process and are not permitted to see any information about service personnel who go before the Board.
If the SPVA were allowed information, it would mean the necessary paperwork for a war pension for example will have been completed and information about benefits including Incapacity, Mobility, Carers Allowance, Housing Benefits etc will have been discussed with the serviceman or women.
It would mean an exemption certificate for medication (presently not issued until discharge) will have been issued. This would allow personnel to access medication they may require free of charge. It would alleviate the intervention of social services for those who's financial circumstances may not be able to meet the needs of prescription charges.
The SPVA would also be responsible for contacting outside agencies such as Combat Stress or Talking2Minds with the date, time and place of treatment before the service leaver enters civilian life. This is essential for those suffering from Mental Health Issues (PTSD). Combat Stress should also be made aware of the service leaver if they have PTSD or any service related mental illness.
A story in The Times on 15 November 2009 said that 4,916 cases of mental disorder have been identified in British troops who toured Afghanistan and Iraq, whilst 67 of these who served in the two war zones had also committed suicide since 2003.
While an injured person is on the SAM List or at Headley Court, they should be encouraged to start pre-release courses including advice on self employment, CV writing and Interview techniques.
For those requiring it resettlement into Social Housing requires to be carried out at least 6 months prior to discharge.
Finally, there should be recognition of the support spouses and dependants give for those who are discharged – it is often the spouses who keep family life together when the front door closes.
By re-examining its procedures and introducing change to the present Medical Discharge System would mean that a faster transition to civilian life would be achieved in line with the Ministry of Defence’s paper The Nation’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Community: Consistent and Enduring Support which was presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Defence in July 2009.
Respectfully yours
--------------------------------------
Thanks again to all rumration users and the site for supporting this new campaign.
More details in the medical discharge thread in the sticky... :!:
The following link will make locating your MP easy.
http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/index.cfm
Hitback
Dear ___________________
Reasons for reform
Although the Armed Forces have been Tri-Service for some time the MoD still run three separate Medical Discharge Boards for the three Armed Forces. Service personnel go through three Boards but only attend the final one before discharge.
Having three separate Medical Discharge Boards adds to greater cost to the public purse and confusion for those being discharged.
Many service personnel have little or no idea of how these Boards work before they arrive at one –this has been the case for decades and urgently needs reform.
When service personnel arrive at the final Board they have no idea what to say, who sits on the Medical Board, or what powers these Boards have. There is very little general advice or guidance from the MoD or other agency on the process service personnel undergo, their fundamental rights or reliable answers regarding discharge.
There is no automatic right for personnel to bring along a nominated colleague or friend or legal adviser so candidates can sometimes make catastrophic decisions about their future lives without advocate advise.
The degree or percentage of disability service personnel qualify for (important for realising how much compensation they will later receive) is not explained to them by the Medical Board. They are informed much later. There is no opportunity to book appointments with medical staff in order to formulate a medical plan for those in urgent need.
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) is not involved at any stage of the Medical Board process and are not permitted to see any information about service personnel who go before the Board.
If the SPVA were allowed information, it would mean the necessary paperwork for a war pension for example will have been completed and information about benefits including Incapacity, Mobility, Carers Allowance, Housing Benefits etc will have been discussed with the serviceman or women.
It would mean an exemption certificate for medication (presently not issued until discharge) will have been issued. This would allow personnel to access medication they may require free of charge. It would alleviate the intervention of social services for those who's financial circumstances may not be able to meet the needs of prescription charges.
The SPVA would also be responsible for contacting outside agencies such as Combat Stress or Talking2Minds with the date, time and place of treatment before the service leaver enters civilian life. This is essential for those suffering from Mental Health Issues (PTSD). Combat Stress should also be made aware of the service leaver if they have PTSD or any service related mental illness.
A story in The Times on 15 November 2009 said that 4,916 cases of mental disorder have been identified in British troops who toured Afghanistan and Iraq, whilst 67 of these who served in the two war zones had also committed suicide since 2003.
While an injured person is on the SAM List or at Headley Court, they should be encouraged to start pre-release courses including advice on self employment, CV writing and Interview techniques.
For those requiring it resettlement into Social Housing requires to be carried out at least 6 months prior to discharge.
Finally, there should be recognition of the support spouses and dependants give for those who are discharged – it is often the spouses who keep family life together when the front door closes.
By re-examining its procedures and introducing change to the present Medical Discharge System would mean that a faster transition to civilian life would be achieved in line with the Ministry of Defence’s paper The Nation’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Community: Consistent and Enduring Support which was presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Defence in July 2009.
Respectfully yours
--------------------------------------