Current provision and recommendations for the management of psychosocial morbidity following disaster in England

Abstract

Although disasters remain statistically rare events, the last decade has seen an increase in the number of major incidents affecting the UK. Concurrent with this increase has come clinical data, showing how psychosocial health may be adversely affected by disasters. There is good evidence that many victims of traumatic stress suffer from depression and suicidal behaviour; two of the English Department of Health’s stated objectives for reduction in their publication, Health of the Nation. The objectives of this paper were to give the Department of Health a survey of the current provision of psychosocial care after disasters at English regional health authority level and to make recommendations regarding good practice in the care of victims of trauma by healthcare professionals. The methodology used was varied. Letters were sent to all the regional public health departments asking for information about the psychological care element within their major incident plans. The findings showed that the provision for psychosocial care following a disaster in England is extremely variable and although there are undoubtedly regions with considerable expertise and interest, there are also regions where provision appears to be minimal or non‐existent. The provision of specialist traumatic stress services at regional level is recommended.