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Chief executive Amanda Pritchard has announced that seven new clinics for gambling addiction will be opening this summer to meet the demand on NHS services.
The NHS has said that it is “adapting to the new healthcare needs”, and expanding rapidly its support services for thousands who are suffering from gambling-related harms.
According to new figures, around 1400 people were referred to help in the last year. This is an increase of over a third compared with the previous twelve months and almost four fifths higher than two years ago.
Seven new clinics have been opened in Milton Keynes (Thurrock), Bristol, Derby and Blackpool, as well as Milton Keynes.
Eight gambling harms clinics are open in London, Leeds Newcastle, Manchester Southampton Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Southampton. There is also a national clinic in London that treats gambling and gaming addiction among children and youth.
The NHS will treat 3000 patients a day in 15 clinics. This is six months ahead schedule.
Amanda Pritchard said, “This expansion shows that the NHS is once again adapting itself to the new healthcare requirements that have arisen over the past 75 years.”
“In 1948, when the NHS was established, people had to visit a bookie to place a wager. But now, they can bet on their phones at the push of a button, and all ages are bombarded by ads encouraging them to participate.
Referrals to the NHS have increased by over a third since last year. Gambling addiction is a cruel illness that can destroy lives.
The NHS has responded quickly to the need of more people in times of crisis. Seven new clinics are being opened across England.
According to Gambling Commission statistics, around 138,000 people may have a problem with gambling. Another 1.3 million gamble in a moderate or low risk manner. However, other research suggests that the number could be even higher.
The Northern Gambling Harms Service helped one patient, who said that gambling addiction had taken over his life. He was suicidal at the time and had damaged relationships with family and friends. The NHS has helped me regain control of my life and rebuild trust with family and friends. I am once again enjoying happy, healthy relationships with those close to me.
The latest clinics are treating people with serious addiction problems through cognitive-behavioural therapy, family counseling, support groups, and aftercare.
Teams of NHS professionals, including psychologists and therapists as well as psychiatrists, nurses specializing in mental health, and peer support workers, offer support to family members, partners, and caregivers.
Claire Murdoch, NHS mental health director, said that addiction is a cruel illness that can ruin lives. It can ruin finances and relationships. But the NHS is there to help. If you or someone you love is suffering from gambling addiction, please reach out.
The White Paper of the Government has made progress in tackling this billion-pound gambling industry. However, further action is needed to protect young people and future generations against being bombarded with gambling advertisements while watching sports.
The Public Health Minister Neil O’ Brien stated: “The dramatic rise in people seeking NHS treatment due to gambling-related harms demonstrates the devastating impact that it can have on lives and health.
These new clinics are bringing vital support to more areas of the country so that thousands more people can receive the help they require. Our White Paper has taken firm actions to combat gambling-related harms, including our commitment to implement a statutory levie to ensure gambling companies pay a fair share of the costs for treatment services.
