Townsville Hospital’s dedicated team helping veterans

As the nation pauses to remember our fallen troops, a Townsville veteran will be marking the occasion from hospital with compassionate staff by his side.

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AS THE nation pauses to remember our fallen troops, a Townsville veteran will be marking the occasion from hospital with compassionate staff by his side.

Vietnam veteran Roy Florence served in the Royal Australian Airforce with a total of 476 days spent in war zones in both Vietnam and Thailand.

Vietnam’s conflict has shaped Mr Florence’s life and identity, and while the years have rolled by the strong friendships and memories remain.

But he said it was those who have gone before him that he’ll be pausing to reflect on during one minutes silence.

“It (military service) had its good moments and it had its bad moments,” he said.

“I think it’s important to remember all the people who died before us to make our country a

peaceful one.”

In recognition of issues unique to the veteran community, the Townsville University Hospital offers a dedicated service to veterans, war widows and their families to help navigate their hospital stay and transition back to home.

Liaison officer Cathryn Shephard said she and her team helped an average of 18 veteran inpatients per day.

“My job is to help veterans and war widows connect with the right support networks such as

ex-service organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Ms Shephard said.

“By co-ordinating appropriate clinical and community-based services we can help our

veterans discharge from hospital and ease their transition back into the community.”

Originally published as Townsville Hospital’s dedicated team helping veterans