Perceptions of health and healthcare in ex-Army residents of Tameside: a pilot qualitative study.

Participants' perceptions of the health of former members of the Armed forces reflect the published epidemiological literature. This suggests that qualitative data can be valid for understanding the health needs of local ex-military communities. Further research is needed to test the findings here with a broader group of ex-military personnel, to explore the barriers faced in accessing healthcare and to understand the health needs of the families of ex-service personnel.