Number of those needing mental health care after Grenfell fire likely to exceed 11,000

The mental health response following the Grenfell Tower fire is the biggest operation of its kind in Europe, a doctor has said.

The unprecedented need following the fire has transformed the Central and North West London NHS Trust (CNWL) into ‘the largest trauma service in the UK’, according to chief psychologist Dr John Green.

Over 1,300 people have been seen by CNWL and GPs after the fire, either for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening or Grenfell-related physical health concerns.

Health professionals in London predict that around 11,000 people in the wider Grenfell area could experience difficulties, although not all will necessarily seek treatment, while the fire may also have been triggering for others across the country.

The trust has earmarked some of its 200 staff to door-knock people who may be struggling in the wake of the fire.

It has made almost 4,000 approaches in the north Kensington community.

Some 360 adults and children are currently undergoing PTSD treatment, which has been completed by 28 adults and three children.

There are also 60 people undergoing treatment for a variety of mental health issues who are not from the direct Grenfell area and have been affected by the tragedy. It raises concern that there could be hundreds more people across the UK similarly affected after watching the burning building on television.

Dr Green, clinical director at the Grenfell Tower NHS Mental Health Response, said: “I think this is the biggest programme there’s ever been in Europe, certainly in terms of mental health. There’s never been anything like it.

“It does strike us that this is much bigger push than there’s ever been anywhere else so it is very novel, there are a lot of things that we’re doing that people have never done before.”