Current provision and recommendations for the management of psycho‐social 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 have come clinical data, showing how psycho‐social health may be adversely affected by disasters. Aims to give the UK Department of Health a survey of the current provision of psycho‐social care after disasters at English Regional Health Authority level and to make recommendations regarding good practice in the care of victims of trauma by health care professionals. Uses varied methodology. Letters were sent to all the Regional Public Health Departments, asking for information about the psychological care element within their major incident plans. Shows that the provision for psycho‐social 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. Recommends the provision of specialist traumatic stress services at regional level.

Citation

Adshead, G., Canterbury, R. and Rose, S. (1995), "Current provision and recommendations for the management of psycho‐social morbidity following disaster in England", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 5-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653569510093388