NHS cuts to Combat Stress could be '˜devastating', say Portsmouth veterans

Bosses at the NHS are to axe funding for Combat Stress’s intensive treatment programme for those with PTSD, in June.

The news has sparked a plea from the charity for extra donations from the public and businesses to plug the cash gap.

NHS officials say treatment for those with PTSD will not be impacted and that a new Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service will be rolled out across England on April 1.

But veterans from Portsmouth, who are battling PTSD and have been treated by Combat Stress, say cutbacks to the charity could have deadly consequences.

Fareham man Kevin Porter was diagnosed with PTSD after his service with the Royal Navy in the Falklands War.

He said: ‘It’s a ticking time bomb. We know many veterans don’t report their problems until later life.

‘We have got young guys who were in Afghanistan or the first and second Gulf Wars that’ll be coming forward soon.

‘To lose any funding for Combat Stress, with what we have got simmering in the background, could be absolutely devastating.’

A retired soldier from Portsmouth said his life was turned around by the charity after he resorted to alcohol to deal with his PTSD.

The 50-year-old, who asked not to be named, served in the army for 24 years and watched friends die.

‘I was slowly drinking myself to death,’ said the former Sergeant. ‘I found myself ready to throw myself off a bridge.

‘Combat Stress has been a lifesaver for me and so many others. Cuts could be devastating. More veterans could die if we don’t reach them quickly enough.’

The former soldier said many veterans with difficulties were reluctant to go to civilian or NHS doctors.

Mr Porter added: ‘Many veterans don’t trust them.’

Sue Freeth, chief executive of Combat Stress, said all intensive treatment programmes would need to be funded by donations, with the charity needing to raise £14m a year to deliver its services.

She added: ‘I would like to reassure veterans that we will continue providing residential intensive treatment.

‘As the leading charity for veteran’s mental health, we remain committed to being there for every veteran who needs us.’

Three partnership trusts will run the NHS’s new treatment service, with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust covering Hampshire.

They will provide a range of treatment plans for those with mental health issues.

For details, email [email protected]

To help to Combat Stress, see combatstress.org.uk/donate