HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc731-2W
Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the MOD has contracted private sector hospitals to provide medical services in each of the last 12 months; and what the total cost to the MOD budget of contracting private sector hospitals to provide medical services was in each of the last five years. [53870]

Dr. Moonie

Figures are not readily available which break down the numbers of referrals made to private sector health care in each of the past 12 months. The cost to the Ministry of Defence budget of contracting private sector hospitals to provide medical services in each of the last five years is as follows:

£ million
Financial Year Cost
1997–98 0.19
1998–99 0.12
1999–2000 0.17
2000–01 3.05
2001–02 1.88
Total 5.41

Category Definition
P0 Holding category—used when the individual is either in hospital or on hospital sick leave.
P2 Fit for world wide service without restriction.
P2U3 Leadership course restriction only—otherwise fit for world wide service without restriction.
P2L3 Leadership course restriction only—otherwise fit for world wide service without restriction.
P3R Fit for world wide service, which may include sea service, but with a specific caveat, eg no small ships due to sea sickness.
P3P Fit for world wide service, which may include sea service, but with a specific caveat, eg no small ships due to sea sickness.
P7RA UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Fully employable ashore or in ship in harbour in own trade/skills.
P7RB UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Fully employable ashore in own trade/skills.
P7RC UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Employable in restricted duty ashore or in ship in harbour in own trade/skills.
P7RD UK service only. Ship in harbour or shore service only. Employable in restricted duties ashore only.
P8 Permanently unfit naval service.

The referrals were made to a number of private sector health care providers, under a number of separate schemes.