Peter Viggers MP has taken an initiative on defence medical services and after a private discussion with David Cameron, the following statement has been agreed as a policy statement:
“Healthcare provided by the defence medical services is of a generally high standard. We support the model of military managed wards in MDHUs providing acute specialist healthcare in partnership with the NHS. However, we are less convinced that the level of care given to recuperating service personnel, reservists and veterans is sufficient as highlighted by the broken military covenant campaign of the Royal British Legion. Therefore, Conservative government will review all aspects of the care given to recuperating personnel. This will include the locations at which care is provided to ensure that patients are treated in a service environment as well and as conveniently as possible. We are not convinced that the closure of the Royal Hospital Haslar as a location for the provision of elements of military healthcare, training and research is appropriate and would look again at existing plans as part of our review.”
Others involved were Andrew Lansley Shadow Secretary of State for Health , Liam Fox Shadow Secretary of State for Defence and Andrew Murrison, Shadow Defence Minister.
Peter Viggers said “I am delighted the Conservative party is to review the Labour government’s proposed closure of Haslar Hospital”.
22 October 07 |
