News Release, 8 May 2003
The Mental Health Foundation today welcomed the Government's research proposals for monitoring the psychological health of returning soldiers, but warned that they do not constitute a screening programme. Waiting for the results would stall the development of effective treatments for army personnel who develop mental health problems.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, which has been campaigning for better mental health services for returning soldiers said: "This is the first, very welcome sign that the MoD is listening to organisations like ours. While this research is welcome, it is an academic response to a very real and very pressing problem.
We do not need further research to confirm that almost five times the number of soldiers who lost their lives in the last Gulf War have since committed suicide. Nor do we need further research to tell us that the specialist treatments needed by soldiers who develop mental health problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are simply not available.
We have more than sufficient evidence to mount a practical response to soldiers' needs. Their problems will not go away without treatment - sadly the media attention will subside - and we need an assurance from the Government that progress will not stop there.
The Medical Assessment Programme (MAP), which existed before this conflict, has always been able to recommend appropriate treatment. Recommendations alone are useless. The Government needs to back up research and referral plans by ensuring that Defence Medical Services and the NHS can respond effectively with treatment."
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