Op RESTORE – the Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service
Beth Lambert, National Service Manger presented Op RESTORE - the Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service discussed the following.
Op RESTORE is an NHS England physical healthcare pathway for veterans with ongoing service-related health needs- designed by veterans for veterans.
Linking physical health and mental health, statutory and non-statutory provision, clinical care and social prescribing.
Generating holistic and wellbeing support focused on veteran and their family.
Who is it for?
Individuals who have served in, or are leaving, the UK Armed Forces.
Includes Reservists if injured while deployed.
Have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the Armed Forces.
70% Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues but pick up ENT, Neurology, Pain Management Resident in England and registered with GP practice in England.
No limitation on when the problem occurred - day two, 22, 222 or beyond.
How does it work?
Referral form available from the service or www.oprestore.nhs.uk. GP submits this via NHS mail with relevant clinical letters or diagnostic results to enable the clinical team to determine next steps.
Referral is clinically interrogated and onward clinical plan is developed which is signed off by a consultant with an understanding of the military.
Holistic support to veterans and familes
Wellbeing telephone assessment with Op RESTORE Pathway Navigator.
If more complex welfare needs, Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) will provide dedicated support worke.
Touch point with Pathway Navigator call prior to clinical decision - email or call.
Any support to spouse or family is also shared.
Multi-disciplinary team meetings
Consultant-led virtual MDT weekly - eight cases reviewed.
Clinical network.
Collaborative approach - Blesma, H4H, DMWS and Op COURAGE.
Non-clinical network.
Our aim is for the veteran to be seen by the right clinician, whether they are local or not.
Post-MDT
Close cross-agency working with the NHS England Op services.
Onward clinical pathways initiated via eRS, GP or direct with a named clinician.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) outcome letter sent to GP and veteran via text.
Clinical outcome telephone appt booked two weeks from outcome letter being sent.
Final wellbeing touch point four to six weeks after clinical call.
Demand
Over 2000 referrals since 2016 - over 1500 of those in the last three years,
40% increase in referrals 2023 to 2024 to this financial year,
Working with MoD to develop clinical pathways for non-freezing cold injuries and chronic pain,
Veteran-initiated referrals coming Autumn 2026.
For further information email us at mailto:imperial.oprestore@nhs.netor find more information at https://www.oprestore.nhs.uk/