MPs concerned over veterans' mental healthcare

The NHS must identify servicemen and women who need priority treatment, MPs say

Monday, 18, Feb 2008 12:00

Service families and veterans are missing out on the best mental health provision, MPs say.

A report from the Commons' defence committee concludes the government "needs to do more" on helping Britain's service personnel struggling with mental problems.

But it congratulates the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for providing a "world-class" level of service for overall clinical care.

"The MoD needs to do more to look after families and veterans," committee chairman James Arbuthnot said.

"We welcome the moves the government has made to extend priority access to healthcare for veterans, but too much is being left to good intentions and good luck."

Last November the government announced plans to expand its priority access to healthcare for veterans. Although welcoming this move MPs said in the report they were concerned by a lack of clarity over eligibility criteria.

For this story in depth and more on health news visit inthenews.co.uk, also part of the Adfero news network.