The NHS has opened a new gambling clinic in Sheffield this week, meeting the ambitious NHS Long Term Plan target with 15 services now available across the country.
Amid growing demand for services, the opening of the new clinic in Sheffield means that the NHS has now almost doubled the number of specialist clinics available in the space of a year within England.
The Sheffield clinic joins existing problem gambling services in London, Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool, Preston, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford – seven of which opened in the last year.
The NHS national clinic opened in London in 2008, and treats patients over the age of 13.
Up to 3,000 people a year are expected to be treated in the 15 clinics and people can either self-enrol to a service or can be referred through GP teams.
While patients can get support from various excellent charities, our clinics will provide those coming forward with specialist teams which include clinical psychologists, therapists, mental health practitioners, psychiatrists, and peer support.
NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, said: “Gambling addiction is a cruel disease which has the power to destroy people’s lives, and as referrals continue to rapidly increase for these services, it is right that we increase the support available in line with demand.
"The opening of the new NHS gambling clinic is a significant milestone and amid record demand for help, it is timely for patients who desperately need this vital treatment.
"The £1billion gambling industry which operates 24/7 is becoming more addictive, and with mainstream sporting events driving increasing numbers to problem gambling, it’s now more important than ever that people have access to treatment that adapts to their healthcare needs.”
The opening of Sheffield’s clinic is part of a record £2.3 billion national investment into mental health services.
Wendy Lowder, Executive Lead for Mental Health at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “The impact of gambling addiction can be devasting for an individual and their loved ones. I’m pleased that we are able to launch this new support service in South Yorkshire, which I am confident will provide much needed help for some of most vulnerable people. The service is a key part of our drive to prevent harm from addictions such as gambling.”
