Written question asked by Willie Rennie (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 4 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 December 2006. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 December 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Mental Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the new community mental health service for veterans to be launched.

Answer: [holding answer 7 December 2006]: The Government are committed to good mental health and well-being for its personnel, both in service and after they leave. For veterans, healthcare is primarily the responsibility of the NHS. Following recommendations on mental health services for veterans in 2005 by the independent Health and Social Care Advisory Service, officials from the Ministry of Defence, the UK Health Departments and Combat Stress have been working together to develop and implement a new community-based model for mental health services for veterans. It is hoped that, beginning in the spring of 2007, the model will be piloted at sites across the UK. The pilots are likely to last two years and, if successful, will be rolled out nationally. Demobilised Reservists are already covered by the enhanced post-operational mental healthcare programme that I announced on 21 November 2006, Official Report, column 28WS.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 105158; 454 c936W;454 c940W
Session: 2006-07
Related items: Veterans: Mental Health
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Armed forces Mental health services Veterans
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk