§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set up a specialist centre of excellence within the NHS for dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. [101084]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 6 March 2003]There are no current plans to set up a specialist centre of excellence within the national health service for dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Health authorities have a responsibility to provide services to meet the mental health needs of all those who are eligible. Decisions about treatment and care are taken on the basis of an individualised assessment of needs, the patients wishes, the evidence base for effective treatment and available resources.
The general practitioner remains the first port of call for anyone suffering from mental health problems. The Department published guidance to help GPs know more about the most effective treatments in the mental health national service framework and in specific guidance on psychological therapies and counselling. These are available on our website at www.doh.qov.uk/ mentalhealth.