Mental Health Services (Veterans)

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 12 February 2014.

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Photo of Simon Hart Simon Hart Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire 11:30, 12 February 2014

What discussions he has had with Ministers in the Welsh Government on waiting times for mental health support for combat veterans in Wales compared with those in England.

Photo of David Jones David Jones The Secretary of State for Wales

It is essential that our veterans receive the best support and medical treatment, including mental health care, available to assist them to rebuild their lives.

Photo of Simon Hart Simon Hart Conservative, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

A military veteran living in Carmarthenshire has been told by NHS Wales that he has to wait up to eight months for urgent mental health treatment. The Veterans Association tells me that in parts of England the wait would be seven to 10 days. Will the Secretary of State sort out this problem on behalf of Welsh veterans?

Photo of David Jones David Jones The Secretary of State for Wales

That is clearly a disturbing tale. The military covenant gives veterans the right to access to early health care. The sort of delays that my hon. Friend is referring to are quite unacceptable, and I invite him to write to me about the issue.

Photo of Huw Irranca-Davies Huw Irranca-Davies Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The generosity of Welsh people in donating to mental health charities for veterans is unsurpassed. However, there have been concerns in recent months about the regulation and oversight of some of those charities and of some of the treatments available. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss those concerns to ensure that every penny piece that is raised by people in Wales goes towards the very best treatment for our veterans?

Photo of David Jones David Jones The Secretary of State for Wales

The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important issue and I would be pleased to meet him to discuss it.

Photo of Geraint Davies Geraint Davies Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (Substitute Member)

On Friday I met members of Swansea’s Combat Stress group, who told me that the nearest places for in-patient treatment were in Shropshire, Surrey or Scotland. Will the Secretary of State meet me and the Secretary of State for Defence, who is now in his seat, to talk about providing facilities for in-patient care for war veterans in St Athan and the idea of moving units coming out of Germany to St Athan in south Wales to provide much needed employment and economic stimulus?

Photo of David Jones David Jones The Secretary of State for Wales

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman attend the meeting that I have already agreed with Huw Irranca-Davies.