NHS to launch new mental health service for soldiers/

This article was taken from: http://metro.co.uk/2018/03/04/nhs-launch-new-mental-health-service-soldiers-7359990/

By Harley Tamplin

Former soldiers suffering from substance abuse, trauma and other issues will receive support from a new mental health service launched by the NHS.

The Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service will offer treatment and care to ex-soldiers.

NHS England has announced the new service, which is backed by £3.2 million of funding and will help those who have the most complex needs. It was designed after the NHS asked veterans and their families how services could be improved. The initiative will aim to help former soldiers access services closer to home, rather than requiring them to travel.

It will offer psychological therapies and psychiatry, detox services and family support, as well as offering help with employment, accommodation, finances and relationships.

Dr Jonathan Leach, chairman of NHS England’s armed forces and their families clinical reference group, said: ‘The NHS is committed to providing every veteran who needs mental health support with the best care, which is why we have already set up a dedicated new service based directly on feedback from veterans themselves.

‘To build on this, we are investing £3.2 million in a national complex treatment service, launching next month, which will treat more patients, over a longer period and closer to home as veterans have told us they prefer.’ Edward Parker, CEO of Walking with the Wounded, said: ‘This is a very welcome commitment by the NHS to provide a comprehensive network of care for veterans and their families.’ Under the current system, former soldiers access care through the Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service, which helps patients access the right care.