PEOPLE affected by the George Square bin lorry tragedy are facing long waits for trauma counselling, evidence suggests.

 

Professor Patrick O'Donnell, professor of psychology at the University of Glasgow, warned in the Evening Times that witnesses were at risk of suffering post traumatic stress disorder and encouraged to seek help.

However anectdotal evidence suggest those who do require help could be facing long waits for NHS counselling.

The Evening Times was contacted by a woman, who was concerned about a friend who had witnessed the tragic events. She has been suffering flashbacks and has been unable to return to work.

She said: "She went to her GP who gave her a number. She called it and they said they didn't know how long it would take to get an appointment.

"She then phoned the council helpline number and was passed from pillar to post.

"She's been actively trying to get help since the New Year. There's a problem here. Not everyone can afford to go private."

A spokesman for the council said anyone affected by the tragedy seeking psychological help should be referred to the Major Incident Support Team.

Evidence suggest many patients end up paying for councselling because of long waiting lists in the NHS.

Doctors in Scotland say they feel under pressure not to refer people to "already overstretched" counselling services.

Charities that offer free counselling, including the Tom Allen Centre in Glasgow, are struggling to accommodate the volume of patients referred by GPs.

While the majority of people recover from witnessing a traumatic incident, for around third, the effects can be long lasting if untreated.

Flashbacks, nightmares and feelings of anger and withdrawal are among the symptoms that may be experienced.

Police are still investigating what caused the driver to lose control and plough into shoppers in the city centre three days before Christmas killing six and injuring 10 other people.

A full report into the incident will be submitted to the Crown Office by the end of the month.