Increasing number of Afghanistan war vets seeking treatment

Veterans from the war in Afghanistan are seeking assistance with mental health in greater numbers at The Royal.

An operational stress injury clinic funded by Veterans Affairs has been operating at the hospital for five years now.

Dr. Raj Bhatla, The Royal's chief of psychiatry, said there has been a surge in new patients in the last two years.

The Royal anticipates it will treat 75 new veterans who fought in Afghanistan by the end of the year.It is currently treating 350 patients.

As the demand increases, the hospital anticipates more resources could be needed.This year, the clinic has a budget of about $3 million.

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