HL Deb 29 June 1995 vol 565 cc61-2WA
Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What rehabilitation facilities are available to Servicemen who have been medically discharged as a result of an accident during training.

Lord Henley

In addition to routine rehabilitation facilities at Service Hospitals, we have specialist rehabilitation facilities available at RAF Headley Court. This unit has about 180 beds and a rehabilitation team of specialist medical officers, nurses, remedial instructors, speech therapists, clinical and educational psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, technicians and all support staff. Priority for treatment at Service Hospitals and RAF Headley Court is given to Service personnel and all necessary rehabilitation following an accident in service would normally take place before any decision medically to discharge a Serviceman or woman was taken. Once discharged, the medical care of former Armed Forces personnel becomes the responsibility of the National Health Service, which has its own rehabilitation facilities. In certain circumstances, provided capacity is available, it is possible for former Service personnel to be accepted as NHS patients at my department's facilities. In the case of RAF Headley Court, this would be on repayment from their local health authority, and preference would be given to former Service personnel who had already received treatment at Headley Court for an in-service injury.

Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions within the last 10 years a Serviceman who has been seriously injured during training has been discharged, because of his injuries, more than three years after the accident.

Lord Henley

Information of the nature requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.