Local doctors attend conference on mental health of veterans
VETERANS and military personnel could have more on-island support after local GPs attended a conference focussed on mental health.
General practitioners from each of the three primary care practices went to the conference at King’s College London to gain greater understanding into mental health issues and how they can affect veterans and military personnel.
The conference, run by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research, had a distinguished list of speakers and Prince Harry was in attendance for the morning session.
While at the conference, the island’s local professionals were able to speak to a representative from Combat Stress who, it is hoped, would also be in a position to offer help and support to local veterans who may need it.
The initiative was organised and partially funded by the Royal British Legion Guernsey branch.
‘There are a significant number of veterans in Guernsey and it is known that some may have mental health issues,’ said Dr Ian Gee, one of those who attended who is also a veteran himself.
‘This may be from traumatic events that they were subjected to during their military service and includes, but is by no means limited to, post traumatic stress disorder.’
By having a nominated GP in each of the three practices, it is hoped that any veterans who wanted to be seen would be able to approach one of the doctors who has a special interest in their situation and conditions.
The doctors who attended were Louise Brook and Rachel Heath, from Island Health, Robert Gallagher, from Queen’s Road, and Dr Gee from Healthcare.
Also with the group was chair of the welfare team, Marlene Place.
They hope to be able to work along with local services and the welfare team of the RBL to provide more help and support for local veterans.
