HC Deb 14 January 2004 vol 416 c761W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support is available to recently demobilised reservists who suffer stress related illnesses related to the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life.[R] [147037]

Mr. Caplin

The MOD and Department of Health officials are working together to maximise the delivery of mental health services to all Veterans. Those reservists who deployed to Iraq during OP TEL1C can be seen at the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (GVMAP) on referral by their doctor. Where appropriate, the Programme will refer them to a country-wide network of specialist psychiatrists and psychologists for expert assessment and diagnosis. The GVMAP pays for this, including the patient's travel costs.

In addition, at the end of each deployment all personnel, including reservists, undergo a period of "normalisation" as a measure to minimise the possibility of stress related disorders. They also receive a presentation about post traumatic stress reactions and are given information leaflets, covering post traumatic stress reactions and the problems which may be encountered on returning home. Reservists will also be provided with details of service related charities such as Combat Stress, SSAFA and the RBL.