§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on what support is available for former and serving personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. [103227]
§ Mr. SpellarMy Department fully recognise Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a potentially serious and disabling medical condition and provides appropriate treatment and support for serving personnel suffering from this condition. A range of measures aimed at preventing PTSD are in place, including pre- and post-deployment briefings and professional counselling in-theatre.
Service personnel found to be suffering from PTSD will be offered treatment, including, if necessary, in-patient treatment at the Duchess of Kent's Psychiatric Hospital, Catterick. Responsibility for the treatment of ex-service personnel lies with the NHS. Such personnel may, however, be treated at the Duchess of Kent's Psychiatric Hospital if they are referred there as patients under normal NHS arrangements.