This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-11481906
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Troops to get more stress support on return home | Troops to get more stress support on return home |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Measures to help soldiers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan to deal with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress have been unveiled. | |
There will be a 24-hour helpline and extra mental health nurses to support those who have served in the forces. | There will be a 24-hour helpline and extra mental health nurses to support those who have served in the forces. |
They are among steps recommended in a report commissioned by Prime Minister David Cameron. | |
The measures were announced by Defence Secretary Liam Fox at the Conservative Party conference. | |
BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said that, although cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among British troops had been relatively low in comparison with American military personnel, the problem was expected to get worse in the long term. | |
Support networks | Support networks |
Recent research found that one in four of those who fought in Iraq suffered mental health problems, with one in 20 diagnosed with PTSD. | Recent research found that one in four of those who fought in Iraq suffered mental health problems, with one in 20 diagnosed with PTSD. |
Dr Fox told the Conservative conference in Birmingham that work was continuing to improve mental health care for the armed forces. | |
But he added: "Due to the urgency of the issue, I'm pleased to announce that we will put into place two key recommendations immediately - a dedicated 24-hour support line for veterans, and introducing 30 dedicated mental health nurses in mental health trusts to ensure the right support is organised specifically for veterans." | |
Mr Cameron commissioned the report, focusing on mental health, as part of the Conservatives' commitment to improve care for veterans and serving troops. | Mr Cameron commissioned the report, focusing on mental health, as part of the Conservatives' commitment to improve care for veterans and serving troops. |
The findings were made by Conservative MP Andrew Murrison, a former medical officer in the Royal Navy who served in Iraq. | |
The Ministry of Defence and Department of Health will also look at improving mental health screening and increasing voluntary support networks for troops who have fought on the front line. | The Ministry of Defence and Department of Health will also look at improving mental health screening and increasing voluntary support networks for troops who have fought on the front line. |
Dr Fox told a fringe meeting at the conference in Birmingham: "In my book, the unacceptably high level of suicide among our veterans is a matter of national shame and it does take priority over any investment in other welfare issues I am looking at." | Dr Fox told a fringe meeting at the conference in Birmingham: "In my book, the unacceptably high level of suicide among our veterans is a matter of national shame and it does take priority over any investment in other welfare issues I am looking at." |
Previous version
1
Next version