UK NHS to set up gambling addiction clinic in Leeds

The UK National Health System has announced the foundation of a clinic for gambling addiction in Leeds, an area in the UK where statistics reveal a gambling addiction problem double that of the National average.

The NHS Northern Gambling Clinic will cater to patients with “severe or complex” problem gambling issues who will receive treatment from psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.

Expected to open its doors in April 2019, the clinic will be funded by the GambleAware charity to the tune of GBP 1.2 million per annum.

Matt Gaskell, a consultant psychologist for addiction services at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and who will be the clinical lead at the new centre, said: “I have been campaigning for many years to set up an NHS service to help those affected by serious gambling disorder. I’m looking forward to getting this service up and running so we can start turning lives around.”

Smaller satellite units will eventually be rolled out in other areas of the North as part of the project.

Marc Etches, chief executive of GambleAware added:

“Our aim is to stop people getting into problems with their gambling, and to ensure those that do develop problems receive fast and effective treatment and support.

“We look forward to developing the new partnership and are grateful for the enthusiasm within Leeds City Council for helping to make this innovative proposal successful.”

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