Armed forces veterans suffering a mental health crisis will receive specialist care as part of a new service launched by NHS England Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens.
Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will work with military charities to provide therapy, rehab services and, in extreme cases, inpatient care to hundreds of former soldiers, sailors and Rapid Action Force personnel each year.
Those needing urgent help will receive a same day referral.
The new service, which is expected to treat around 500 people a year, will focus on those in crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide or suffering other problems such as homelessness and addiction.
The new 'high-intensity' treatment service has already been trialled in some areas, in almost 200 former servicemen and women, and will be rolled out across the country by next month as part of 'Op Courage', which brings together specialist services for veterans.
Veterans will be able to access any of the three tiers of treatment from a single Op Courage service in each of the seven NHS regions.
Op Courage is part of a nine-point NHS plan to support the armed forces. Other commitments laid out in the plan include ensuring access to quality secondary care; reducing health care inequalities; helping with the transition to civilian life; and increased support for vets’ families, children and carers.
Involving charities will help NHS staff to understand the particular experiences and issues faced by the armed forces, who may have lost comrades or been injured themselves, NHS England said.
Over the last two years, the health service has expanded mental health services as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.
More than 13,000 former troops have benefited from specialist care for lower level problems such as anxiety and depression.
Almost 2000 more have received help for more complex problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
