NHS Mental Health Director Claire Murdoch has announced that the NHS has severed links with GambleAware as a result of concerns over the charity’s connections to the gambling industry.
The news came as the NHS announced details of two new clinics which would deal with the demand for gambling addiction services which is now at a record high in England.
NHS Cuts Ties With GambleAware Citing Concerns over Charity's Ties to Gambling IndustryIn an open letter Murdoch stated:
NHS Cuts Ties With GambleAware Citing Concerns over Charity's Ties to Gambling IndustryThe latest figures from NHS England reveal that 668 people with severe gambling addiction issues were referred to gambling clinics between April and December of 2021. This represented a 16.2% increase on the same period in 2020 when 575 referrals were made.
Murdoch went on to reveal that the decision to severe ties with GambleAware came as a result of complaints received by both patients and doctors.
NHS Cuts Ties With GambleAware Citing Concerns over Charity's Ties to Gambling Industry NHS Cuts Ties With GambleAware Citing Concerns over Charity's Ties to Gambling Industry“Our decision has been heavily influenced by patients who have previously expressed concern about using services paid for directly by industry. Additionally, our clinicians feel there are conflicts of interest in their clinics being part-funded by resources from the gambling industry.”
However, the new clinics announced by Murdoch will be entirely funded by the NHS following the authorisation of a £2.3 billion increase in mental health spending.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.