§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances service personnel who have had private medical treatment or diagnosis owing to delays in receiving such treatment and diagnosis from the Defence Medical Services will be refunded the cost of such treatment. [170006]
§ Mr. CaplinThe Defence Medical Services are responsible for the provision of clinical care to military personnel. Secondary care for military personnel is usually provided through routine treatment within the national health service unless there are operational reasons to do otherwise. In such cases, accelerated access to diagnosis and treatment can be provided at NHS hospitals that host the Ministry of Defence Hospital Units. An initial decision on the most appropriate care pathway is made at the time of referral, and is reviewed once the diagnosis is confirmed. Occasionally, use is made of private healthcare providers to enable Service personnel to be returned to operational fitness quickly it' it is anticipated that treatment within the NHS would fail to meet an urgent operational requirement. However, no financial provision is made for reimbursing the cost of diagnosis and treatment if individuals choose to seek private medical care.