§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on access to medical services within the armed forces. [57972]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 22 May 2002]On operational deployments medical support to the Armed Forces is provided by the Defence Medical Services, or in some circumstances through joint arrangements with allies and partners, particularly on sustained operations where this represents a sensible use of medical resources.
615W Healthcare for personnel who are not deployed is normally provided by Service and civilian Ministry of Defence personnel and through the NHS, although some limited use is made of the private sector to meet particular needs. In Germany, healthcare is provided under arrangements that also involve the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Families Association and five German hospitals.