11,000 could see mental health hit by Grenfell

MORE than 400 people so far have been treated for mental health problems following the Grenfell Tower fire – includ-ing at least 50 children.

Doctors believe the number affected by the tragedy could even exceed 11,000 overall.

More than 1,300 people have been seen so far by the Central and North West London NHS Trust, either for screening for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or for physical concerns.

Psychologist Dr John Green, clinical director at the Grenfell Tower NHS Mental Health Response, said: ‘I think this is the biggest programme there’s ever been in Europe, certainly in terms of mental health. There’s never been anything like it.’

Around 360 people including survivors and bereaved families are currently undergoing PTSD

‘Never been anything like it’

treatment. Some 88 children were recommended to receive help, 50 of whom have started their treatment.

There are also 60 patients hav-ing mental health treatment who are not from the area around Grenfell Tower but were remotely affected by the tragedy. This raises fears there could be many more who have been affected.

Dr Green said it could be years before the full toll is clear as mental health symptoms may not immediately be clear, or suf-ferers may not seek help for some time. One person involved in the 7/7 bombings in 2005 only recently came forward.

Experts estimate around 11,000 people could experience difficul-ties of some sort.

Meanwhile just 18 Grenfell families have been moved into permanent homes, Kensington and Chelsea Council said, while 45 are in temporary accommda-tion and 140 are still in hotels.