War hell vets get NHS help

Traumatised troops to be offered counselling on return

VISIT - Kevan Jones
VISIT - Kevan Jones

10/01/2010

TROOPS traumatised by the horrors of war in Afghanistan are to get proper counselling, we can reveal.

One in five British servicemen and women - 36,000 in total - are now suffering from mental health problems.

And the NHS is to link up with armed forces charity Combat Stress to offer help to veterans back from the war zone.

Critics say the government has been slow to react to the growing numbers of troops who have post traumatic stress disorder.

Last year former Army Chief General Sir Richard Dannatt claimed the Ministry of Defence was not doing enough to care for anguished servicemen and women.

But NHS mental health staff will work with Combat Stress to ensure sufferers get the care they need.

Health Minister Mike O'Brien and Veterans Minister Kevan Jones will tomorrow unveil details of the joint project on a visit to the charity's treatment centre in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Mr O'Brien said: "Those who have given so much for their country deserve the very best health care."

And Combat Stress spokesman Robert Marsh added: "This agreement marks an important step in the care and treatment of veterans suffering mental ill health."

Send to a friend

Your comments

This article has 1 comment

Does this also include all those who served in Northern Ireland, The Falklands and Bosnia, or should we just let the suicide toll mount up. Its great idea and todays troops deserve the best, but so do all those prior to the 2nd Iraq war and Afghanistan. Many of them are still in their early 40's and struggle

By Jeff.. Posted January 10 2010 at 2:11 PM.

Post your comment here

Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our TERMS & CONDITIONS

We have to check every comment before we can allow it to be published. But don't worry, we've got a team on it 24/7 - so check back soon! Please note that we cannot publish all comments received. The editor's decision is final. Please note that your email address will not be displayed next to your comment.
Visit The News of the World website
SITE WEB
We are No1 for Videos
Latest news stories from the News of the World
Take That's Howard Donald smoked cannabis then got dutchy-feely with brunette from Holland Howard strayed from other half for secret duets with a married mum
Venables link with Baby P rap boss Sharon Shoesmith Link between the tragic child death cases of Bulger and Baby P.
I'll give free finance to all and cut 50% tax rate (eventually) *EVENTUALLY. Tory chancellor grilled by NOTW experts.
Killed by cuts Memo shows hell behind shrinking army budgets.
Big Buzz for Pamela Anderson Astronaut thinks Baywatch babe is out of this world.
Adrian Chiles: I'll quit One Show host reveals he might jump before he's axed.
'Patriotic' EDL exposed as racist, violent thugs 'Patriotic' EDL exposed as racist, violent thugs.
Jade Goody had a list of things to do..but time ran out Best pal tells of tragic last days
Shock probe into the 'new Twitter', chatroulette.com Shocking probe into site hailed 'new Twitter'
VENABLES 'ESCAPES THE DOCK' But he could face 10 years locked up without trial.
BA-re knuckle flight BA boss Walsh vows not to 'wimp out' of battle.