Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre celebrates success of first year

The pioneering Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital celebrated twelve months of welcoming veterans and members of the Armed Forces community through the doors.  

The dedicated centre at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital officially opened on 1 December 2022 – where former Royal Air Force (RAF) Wing Commander Alex Baxter, from Shrewsbury, was the first patient to be seen in the £6 million building. 

To celebrate the occasion, a birthday party was held in the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre this afternoon, with staff, volunteers, patients and visitors. 

Creating a dedicated veterans’ centre was a long-standing dream for Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, Director of the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at RJAH and was made a reality – thanks to the support of The Headley Court Charity. 

He said: “In twelve months we have treated over 2,000 patients in the building – which is a fantastic number and a true testament to how hard the whole teamwork. 

“For a number of years, we have talked about veterans being seen in an environment that gives them confidence and by clinical teams that have an understanding of military personnel and their unique needs. 

“This is now our reality, and I am delighted to be celebrating one year since the beginning of a new era of bespoke care for our veteran patients and members of the Armed Forces.”    

 
The two-storey building features nine standard examination and clinic rooms, an enhanced treatment room for minor outpatient procedures, an assessment room, a splinting and therapy room, as well as clinic space for virtual appointments.   

  
In the main entrance of the building, there is a café and dedicated Veterans’ Hub where Shropshire Council and various military charities provide support to veteran patients and their family and friends, with issues that range from homelessness, finance, debt management, welfare, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), benefits and more.    

  
The upstairs of the centre includes dedicated research offices, clinical teaching and training space for staff, a multi-disciplinary team room, and an office for admin staff. 

Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive, said: “Celebrating one year of the country’s first dedicated orthopaedic centre for veterans being open for business is a huge milestone and I am an extremely proud Chief Executive. 

“Thank you to all those who have made this possible, including the Headley Court Charity as well as the individuals, organisations and members of the community who backed our vision and continue to support the provision of veteran healthcare. 

“Also, a big well done to all our staff and volunteers who are part of the team – we couldn’t do this without you all.”