Seven new gambling addiction clinics are to open this summer, the NHS has revealed.
The gambling harms clinics will be opening in Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Blackpool and Sheffield.
New figures which have recently been published revealed around 1,400 patients were referred for help last year, which is an increase of more than a third on the previous 12 months. It is also an increase of almost four fifths compared to two years ago. These new clinics will add to the eight clinics which are currently in operation with the NHS hoping to treat 3,000 patients a year across the 15 clinics.
According to Gambling Commission figures, 138,000 could have a gambling problem with around 1.3 million people engaging in moderate or low-risk gambling.
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Ahead of the NHS’s 75th birthday on Wednesday, 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.”
Public Health Minister Neil O’ Brien, said: “The stark rise in the number of people seeking NHS treatment for gambling-related harms shows the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives and health.
“These new clinics will bring vital support to more parts of the country, so thousands more people can get the help they need. We have taken firm action to tackle gambling-related harms through our White Paper, which includes our commitment to introduce a statutory levy so gambling companies pay their fair share towards the costs of treatment services.”
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