This is an important article, raising significant concerns regarding the poor treatment of soldiers returning from operational theatres with mental health problems.
The author however failed to carry out sufficient research which, had it been done, would have shown that the Reservists Mental Health Project (RMHP) has been implemented at Chilwell, Notts, to specifically treat any Reserve or ex-Reserve soldier, such as Scott Garthley, who has mental problems related to prior service with the Regular Army. The facility is new-built and employs many mental health professionals to treat exactly the conditions described above and an request for service can be made directly by the individual.
While I appreciate that this does not excuse the government from deserting Regular Army soldiers as described above, I believe this shows that it does show that ground is being made up and the reliance on the NHS is not total, hence there is additional depth to this story which is not detailed above.

Keith, Basra, Iraq,

Doubtless the leaders of all parties will continue to offer platitudes of regret for the deaths of these brave men. But their lack of responsibility for the care of the wounded brings shame on us all.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

It appears that the U.K. is taking a page from the Bush book that we here in the U.S. suffer from. An inept, arrogant administration populated with inept political appointees and chicken hawks.

kent williamson, Leesburg, Florida

Well done the Times, an article to make us all draw breath and hang our heads in shame.

Given the absence of any effective opposition party, surely a national institution such as the Times can mount an effective campaign to keep what appears to be Britain's only military hospital from closing? Whilst we may not be serving soldiers, surely we too have a duty to perform in assisting the recovery of those that loyally serve the nation without question or fear.

Neil, London,

It reflects more the general incompetence and underfunding of services than any lack of british identity or disrespect from the british people.. the indifference toward the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is because of their dubious origin and less than clear relevance to our everyday lives.

jose, london,

With more troops having to be sent to Afghanistan to sort out a problem that should have been addressed in 2001 after the rout of the Taliban this situation is likley to get worse, long before it gets better. A key point for service personnel who have been injured or are suffering from these forms of stress is to be treated in surroundings with kindred spirits, ie., other service men and women in a 'military' hospital. I know from personal experience the benefits of the banter and camarderie that cannot be simulated in a 'civvy' NHS hospital. Thus I agree entirely with David Lloyd of Portsmouth that Haslar Hospital should NOT be closed . Instead it should become a centre of excellence, giving our troops the best chances of a full recovery. Providing them with the best quality of medical attention when they need it, in the right surroundings, is the least a government can do, even if crucial equipment is subject to the 'evergreen' delays of the MOD and under fundi

Michael Chandler, Freiburg (Elbe), Germany

This makes me weep with shame. Here we all are sat on the internet writing comments but the streets are empty of protests and cries of 'enough'. Shame on us all for allowing this government to stay in office. Shame on us all for creating a nation where the main opposition party does little to oppose and is more focused on making us pay more for our once-a-year holiday flight than it is in bringing this comedy politburo to book for the disgraceful abuse of our servicemen and women.

Through their inept silence, Cameron and the Tories are as guilty as Blair's politburo of this national embarrassment. Enjoy your Sunday lunches, Britain

Kim, Cheltenham,

I wrote to the Defence Minister telling him this (PTSD) was a time bomb waiting to happen & the closing of RNH Haslar was a massive mistake

Ian Winter ex-RN, carlisle,

In the US, senior Officers and Officials have been sacked or resigned over the medical treatment of veterans. Why, in Britain is the only Government response to close all the Military Hospitals. The last one, RH Haslar is due to close later this year, this would appear to demonstrate how much this Government really think of their servicemen.

David Lloyd, Portsmouth,

Despicable as it is, this should not be a surprise. British governments have always treated there service personel with contempt and stabbed them in the back at every opportunity.

John Lockett, Burnley, Lancs.,

The problem with the UK, its now too multi cultural and has lost its British identity the UK has nothing in common with its Armed Forces! The British Armed Forces are so small that the British Army could fit into the new Wembly Stadium and leave space! Due to its size, its actually isolated, not many British citizens actually know anyone in the British Forces, therefore there isn't any appreciation!
Just like what the American soldier went through in Vietnam, but for the British.
As a soldier, the best thing to do is transfer to another countries force, one that appreciates you and one who's countries actually cares!

Jim, Preston, UK

I've no idea why there was such a hoo-ha last week ref the Walter Reid "scandal" in the US relating to the treatment of their soldiers and veterans, in this country we have turned the same form of culpability into an art-form. Ask any serving soldier what he expects to receive from the country he serves by way of pension and post medical support in the event of an injury and they will tell you "nothing much", or the bare minimum.

George Simm, Eshott, Northumberland