A FORMER RAF Wing Commander has said a new £6 million specialist centre near Oswestry is a 'game changer' for meeting the health needs of veterans.

Alex Baxter, 64, , was the first patient to be seen at was at newly opened Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre based at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, this week.

He attended for a follow-up review, having had both hips replaced last year by his surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, director of the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service.

Mr Baxter, from Shrewsbury, praised the surgery for 'giving him his life back'.

He added: "[Lt Col] Carl Meyer got me in and really took me under his wing.

"When he saw me I was really struggling and daily life was difficult.

"Two operations later, and he has given me my life back."

Border Counties Advertizer: Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer (right) and Mr Alex Baxter (left)

Mr Baxter served in the Royal Navy as a radio operator from 1978 to 1985 before joining the RAF in 1985, where he was commissioned as a Supply Officer.

He retired in 2006 with the rank of Wing Commander.

He continued: "Carl has served in the British Army and he understands the needs of people in the Armed Forces.

"His service was already making a difference to hundreds of people like me, and it is wonderful to see this new centre up and running so that he and his team can help thousands more in future."

Mr Baxter explained that he needed crutches to get about, but now he doesn't need them anymore, all after only 10 days from the operations.

Creating a dedicated veterans’ centre was a long-standing dream for Lt Col Meyer, and that has now been made a reality – thanks to the support of The Headley Court Charity.

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The £6m 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.

There is also a Veterans’ Hub where Shropshire Council and various military charities will provide support to veteran patients and their family and friends.

Lt Col Meyer said: "For a number of years, we have talked about veterans being seen in an environment that brings comfort to them and by clinical teams that have an understanding of military personnel and their unique needs.

"Thanks must go to the Headley Court Charity for their amazingly generous grant, for believing in what we’re doing here and ultimately supporting our long-term vision for world class veterans’ healthcare.”