§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the medical services of the armed forces care for geriatric and young chronic sick patients and treat the illnesses of late middle-age.
§ Mr. ReynoldsAs stated in the reply to my hon. Friend's Question on 23rd July, the medical services of the Armed Forces provide a complete spectrum of medical care for Service personnel, for a large number of Service dependants and, abroad, also for civilians. Within the age groups covered, there are relatively few geriatric patients, although Service hospitals at home do cater for a certain number of N.H.S. patients in 229W this category as well as for other N.H.S. patients, retired Service personnel and pensioners in late middle-age. In addition, the medical services provide cover for the children of Service personnel. Service Medical Officers are actively encouraged to broaden their professional education by refresher courses and by attending clinics and symposia.—[Vol. 769, c.94.]