Doctors to be trained to help gamblers

A CHARITY is to fund training of GPs to help them assist people facing harm from gambling.

The programme aims to reach 1,500 doctors across England, Scotland and Wales during its first two years.

The aim is to help them spot and refer on people who are at risk of harm.

The project, which includes online learning and workshops, is funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund, a charity that distributes funds for research, education and treatment. It has commissioned a team from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) to run the programme at a cost of 192,000 a year for three years.

Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the RCGP, and a GP, said: "Gambling is a serious problem, but it does not get the same attention as other forms of addiction.

"When times are tough, we often see a rise in gambling, as people view it as a quick fix."