Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps her Department is taking with the Department of Health and Social Care to increase the capacity of veteran-specific mental healthcare within the NHS.

Ministers from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) meet on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the health and wellbeing of Service personnel and veterans, including mental health. In the United Kingdom the provision of healthcare to the general population, including veterans, is devolved.

The DHSC and MOD examine the provision of veterans' mental health services on a regular basis. Data and progress of NHS England's Veterans Mental Health Transition Intervention and Liaison Service and Complex Treatment Service is presented to the MOD/UK Departments of Health Partnership Board, Joint Commissioning Group and the Cabinet Office led Covenant Reference Group.

In England, the National Health Service has announced that an extra £10 million will be invested into a new NHS dedicated crisis service that will expand the current bespoke veteran mental health services and provide intensive support to veterans battling alcohol, drugs and mental health problems, capturing those individuals nearing crisis. The extra funding will also enable a roll out of veteran-friendly general practitioner surgeries and hospitals as part of efforts to make sure those who have served their country get the specialist help they deserve in every part of the health service.