NHS launches London-based gambling-related harm service

The NHS has launched a new Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS) in London to offer help via GP surgeries for adults who are experiencing gambling-related harm. Funded by GambleAware, the PCGS has been developed by NHS GP partnership the Hurley Group and is being led by Dr Clare Gerada. The service will provide mental health nurses, GPs, treatment practitioners and therapists. Initially starting in South East London (Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich), there is a plan to expand the PCGS in the next few months. The PCGS will work with and alongside the existing National Gambling Treatment Service, as well as the charity GamCare to develop an integrated care pathway. The new service will also partner with GPs to help improve recognition of which patients may be experiencing gambling harm. A competency framework for gambling treatment in primary care is also being developed by the PCGS, which will set out the skills and experience required for practitioners in this field. Speaking about the new service, Gerada said there was evidence that many people who suffer with problem gambling are in contact with their GPs, but don’t necessarily address the issue. “We will be exploring how to identify them, and how to help them get access to the treatment that is right for them,” said Gerada. “We know from other areas of work that people value the option of getting treatment in primary care settings,” she added.