NHS launches ‘Op Courage’ veterans’ mental health service

Armed forces veterans suffering a mental health crisis will receive specialist care as part of a new Op Courage service launched by NHS England.

Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will work with military charities to provide therapy, rehab services and, in extreme cases, inpatient care to hundreds of former soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel each year. Those needing urgent help will receive a same day referral.

The ‘high intensity’ treatment has already been trialled in some areas and will be rolled out across the country by next month as part of Op Courage, which brings together specialist services for veterans.

The new service, which is expected to treat around 500 people a year, will focus on those in crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide, or suffering other problems such as homelessness and addiction. It is being rolled out after trials involving almost 200 former servicemen and women.

More than 13,000 former troops have benefited from specialist care for lower level problems, such as anxiety and depression, over the last two years. As mental health services have expanded as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, almost 2,000 more have received help for more complex problems such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “We owe a special debt of gratitude to those who risk all for their country and the NHS is determined to do its part in honouring that. Anyone can be affected by mental ill health but armed forces veterans may have seen and experienced things that few others – thankfully – will. That can create a special set of challenges which working with military charities helps to overcome and that it what is at the heart of Op Courage – ensuring that the NHS is a National Hero Service.”