§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures have been taken since the publication of "Disasters: Planning for a Caring Society" to improve the counselling service to those affected by large-scale disasters and terrorism.
§ Mr. BowisPost-traumatic stress disorder is a recognised psychiatric condition. General practitioner services are increasingly able to respond to this condition and provide counselling or drug therapy as necessary. Cases may also be referred to the specialist psychiatric services. The Department is supporting from central funds the creation of a new unit at the Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Group specialising in post-traumatic stress, including research. We are also funding continuing work at the traumatic stress unit at the Middlesex hospital. These centres constitute an additional national source of expertise in this condition. The role of local authorities in providing social and psychological support for disaster victims is addressed in the report "Planning for a Caring Response" and associated "Guidelines for an Action Plan", copies of which are available in the Library.