The Welsh Government’s failure to recognise the inadequacy of services for ex-services personnel suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an act of betrayal.

Last week I was copied third hand on an email sent to the probation service by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, announcing the launch of the All Wales Veteran’s Health and Wellbeing Service in North Wales – and adding that the service is funded by the Welsh Government following the finding that veterans are susceptible to PTSD, depression and substance misuse.

Why, then did the Health Minister reply last week to my Written Question, "What assessment has the Minister made of the physical or mental health needs of armed forces personnel returning from duty?", that "This is a non-devolved matter. The MOD provides physical and mental health care for all Armed Forces personnel, including those returning from active duty".

AND why did the Minister for Local Government and Communities reply on Monday to my Written Question "What details does the Welsh Government have on the numbers of ex-forces personnel returning home or coming to Wales?" that "The Welsh Government does not hold that information".

Without information on the increasing number of ex-forces personnel returning home to Wales and on the sort of ongoing physical and mental health needs that they have, the Welsh Government is planning services for ex-forces personnel in a vacuum.

Further, as Steven Hughes, Regimental Medical Officer 2 PARA, Battles of Goose Green and Wireless Ridge, Falkland Islands, 1982, Director front-line resuscitation Bluff Cove Disaster states:

"If conventional Mental Health Services were so comprehensive there would not be such a high veteran rate of suicide, high prison population, and large number of veterans sleeping rough. "?

Because the Welsh Government have failed to listen, the growing gaps in provision are having to be filled by others, with inadequate recognition and resource.

As Welsh Charity, "Healing the Wounds" states:

"We have received many referrals from GP's, social services and?probation officers and have also treated a large number of Veterans who have already visited Combat Stress on?a number of?occasions, who have either received treatment?that was unsuccessful or have received no treatment whatsoever during their stay".?

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Welsh Guardsman Lance Sergeant Dan Collins tragically and unnecessarily took his own life on New Years Day.

He was?desperately seeking help for his post traumatic stress, firstly?through the MoD's medical assessment programme and afterwards?being referred to?an NHS mental?health ward, where he spent 4 weeks?without being?treated with anything?other than?various medication.??

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This is just one tragic incident resulting from the inadequate services within Wales"

"Operation Recovery" is delivering residential treatment in Leicester after the failure of every previous attempt to secure Welsh Government help for residential treatment for Complex PTSD failed.

They are surprised that the NHS are continuing to promote a narrow window of treatment through limited interventions across Wales.?

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Why are veteran’s organisations on the ground not being supported or recognised by the Welsh Government for their excellent work which can demonstrate results?

Control stays with the?NHS.

The?recommendations of the PTSD enquiry have not been followed through.??

Funding and control remains at the top, with strict criteria leaving a lot of veterans unable to gain treatment.?

Clients with comorbid substance misuse are denied access. It is scandalous that the most unwell do not get the treatment they need, unless picked up by other providers.

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As Operation Recovery states "It is too easy to say that current services meet their needs. It is clear from the people that are referred to us or that we find in crisis that there is a need".

NICE?Guidelines state that in order to treat PTSD, a 'person centred' approach is needed that fits with the client and ONLY RECOMMENDS CBT or EMDR as options.

No one therapy fits all in the complexity of treating PTSD, each treatment must meet the complex needs of each individual.