§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) where ex-servicemen who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated; [152007]
220W(2) if he will ensure that the Duke of Kent Hospital at Catterick offers treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder to ex-servicemen who require it; and if he will provide the necessary funding; [152006]
(3) if he will make funds available for the hospital treatment of ex-servicemen who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. [152008]
§ Dr. MoonieEx-service personnel seeking advice on post-traumatic stress disorder from the Ministry of Defence's veterans advice unit are referred to a variety of contacts for assistance, including their own national health service (NHS) GP and ex-service welfare organisations, especially those that specialise in stress-related disorders. However, if any treatment was necessary, it would be carried out by the NHS, as it becomes responsible for the health care of personnel when they leave the armed forces. There are no plans to change this arrangement. The NHS has a range of psychiatric services available, including those that specialise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Current NHS guidance provides priority for out-patient and in-patient treatment to be given to war pensioners, where they require treatment for the condition for which they receive their war pension.