MoD prioritises mental health care

Improvements to the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) handling of armed forces mental health issues have been made a priority by Liam Fox.

The secretary of state for defence has committed to implementing two recommendations of a report by former Royal Navy surgeon Dr Andrew Murrison, commissioned by the prime minister to examine how to improve mental health care provision for the armed forces.

Plans include a dedicated 24-hour helpline for veterans and the appointment of 30 extra nurses to ensure that the appropriate care is available across Mental Health Trusts.

Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference, he said: "We will be taking forward work on Andrew's proposals, but due to the urgency of this issue, I am pleased to announce that we will put into place two of his key recommendations immediately."

Dr Fox also committed to replacing 125 existing service accommodation units in Bulford with 260 units at a cost of £47 million.

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