§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the status of the proposed beacon project linking NHS hospital trusts and TA field hospitals. [25792]
§ Dr. MoonieAs the hon. Member may be aware, TA field hospitals have had informal relationships with local NHS trusts for many years. The beacon project aims to formalise these relationships and develop mutually beneficial initiatives offering personal development, leadership training and professional development to NHS trust members and also to increase TA recruitment. A pilot project has been approved by my Department and the Department of Health and links Preston Acute Hospital National Health Trust and Chorley and South Ribble Health Trust with 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital (Volunteers). This project has held five meetings to date.