§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of medical services for the armed forces. [40428]
§ Mr. SoamesChanges to the defence medical services, which were announced last year as part of "Front Line First", will be largely complete by April 1996. The resulting organisation will be able to meet the future requirement for efficient and effective medical support for the armed forces.
§ Mr. CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of(a) surgeons and (b) anaesthetists currently employed by the armed forces; what is the most current assessment of need for the Defence Medical Services for (a) and (b); and if he will make a statement. [40434]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are currently 117 surgeons and 64 anaesthetists serving in the regular armed forces. The requirement for surgeons and anaesthetists from 1 April 1996 will be 116 and 95, respectively. The shortfall in anaesthetists is being addressed.
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§ Mr. CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Cambridge military hospital and its present contribution to health services for the armed forces. [40432]
§ Mr. SoamesClosure of the hospital will take place by April 1996 as previously announced. Its health care services in support of the armed forces are being transferred progressively to the Royal hospital, Haslar, the Duchess of Kent military hospital, Catterick, and the Ministry of Defence hospital units, including that at the Frimley Park hospital, which are being established under the reorganisation of the defence medical services.