NHS to Open Seven New Gambling Addiction Clinics

[Hannman]

Seven new gambling addiction clinics will open this summer as NHS services face record demand, chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced.
The NHS said it was “adapting to new healthcare needs” and rapidly expanding the support services for thousands of people experiencing gambling-related harms.

New figures published reveal that around 1400 patients were referred for help last year, an increase of more than a third on the previous 12 months and up by almost four fifths compared to two years ago.

The seven new clinics are in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield.
There are already eight gambling harms clinics open in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Telford, as well as an additional national clinic, which treats both gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people, in London.

The NHS plans to treat up to 3000 patients a year across the 15 clinics, fulfilling the NHS Long Term Plan commitment six months ahead of schedule.
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “This expansion shows the NHS once again adapting to the new healthcare needs that have emerged over the last 75 years.

“In 1948 when the NHS was founded, you had to go to a bookies to place a bet, but now people can gamble on their phone at the touch of a button and everyone, young and old, is bombarded with adverts encouraging them to take part.
“Record numbers of people are coming to the NHS for help to treat their gambling addiction, a cruel disease which has the power to destroy people’s lives, with referrals up by more than a third compared to last year.

“As it has done since 1948, the NHS is responding at speed and rolling out seven new gambling harms clinics across England, so that even more people can be supported by the NHS in their time of need.”
Around 138,000 people could be problem gambling according to Gambling Commission figures, with around a further 1.3 million people engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling – although other research estimates that this figure could be higher.

One patient who received help from the Northern Gambling Harms Service, said: “Gambling addiction took over my life to the extent I was suicidal and relationships with my family and friends had broken down. Engaging with NHS services has helped me get control of my life back and I’m rebuilding trust with my family and friends, once again having happy and healthy relationships with people close to me.”

The latest clinics will treat people with serious addiction issues through cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, support groups and aftercare.

 

[CR7]

The announcement of seven new gambling addiction clinics by the NHS comes at a time when there is a record demand for services to address gambling-related harms. Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard stated that the NHS is adapting to new healthcare needs and rapidly expanding support services for thousands of individuals who are experiencing problems with gambling.

According to newly published figures, around 1,400 patients were referred for help in the past year, which represents an increase of over a third compared to the previous 12 months and nearly four fifths compared to two years ago. The seven new clinics will be located in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool, and Sheffield. This is in addition to the existing eight gambling harms clinics in London, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford, and the national clinic in London for gambling and gaming addiction in children and young people.

The NHS aims to provide treatment for up to 3,000 patients annually across the 15 clinics, fulfilling the commitment outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan six months ahead of schedule. Amanda Pritchard emphasized that this expansion demonstrates the NHS's ability to respond to evolving healthcare needs.

She highlighted how the gambling landscape has significantly changed since the establishment of the NHS in 1948. In the past, people had to physically visit bookies to place bets, whereas now gambling can be easily accessed on smartphones with a simple touch. Additionally, advertising bombardment encourages participation in gambling activities. The growing numbers of people seeking help for gambling addiction reflect the devastating impact this issue can have on individuals’ lives.

Recent figures from the Gambling Commission estimate that around 138,000 people in the UK could be problem gamblers, with a further 1.3 million individuals categorized as engaging in either moderate or low-risk gambling. However, other research suggests that these figures might be even higher.

A patient who received help from the Northern Gambling Harms Service shared their experience, revealing the profound impact gambling addiction had on their life. They mentioned that it led to suicidal thoughts and strained their relationships with family and friends. However, with the support of NHS services, they were able to regain control of their life, rebuild trust with their loved ones, and nurture healthy relationships.

The new clinics will offer treatment options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, support groups, and aftercare for individuals with serious addiction issues. This comprehensive approach reflects the NHS's commitment to addressing gambling addiction and providing support to those in need.