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Injured soldiers to get more help Injured soldiers to get more help
(19 minutes later)
Wounded soldiers are to be given more help to return to duties or pass smoothly into civilian life, the Ministry of Defence has announced.Wounded soldiers are to be given more help to return to duties or pass smoothly into civilian life, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The new scheme, known as the Army Recovery Capability (ARC), will increase the number of troops available for operations in Afghanistan.The new scheme, known as the Army Recovery Capability (ARC), will increase the number of troops available for operations in Afghanistan.
Under the programme, sick and injured soldiers will get improved support.Under the programme, sick and injured soldiers will get improved support.
There are currently 102,000 soldiers in the Army but there are concerns over the number of troops unfit to deploy.There are currently 102,000 soldiers in the Army but there are concerns over the number of troops unfit to deploy.
Figures obtained by the Conservatives in January suggested 5,000 soldiers - 20% of the infantry - were unable to fight on the frontline because of illness, injury, lack of fitness or non-medical reasons.Figures obtained by the Conservatives in January suggested 5,000 soldiers - 20% of the infantry - were unable to fight on the frontline because of illness, injury, lack of fitness or non-medical reasons.
Military experts have warned the presence of unfit troops in the ranks is stopping the Army from taking on able-bodied young recruits.Military experts have warned the presence of unfit troops in the ranks is stopping the Army from taking on able-bodied young recruits.
'Structured programme''Structured programme'
The ARC will be delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.The ARC will be delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.
Help for Heroes is contributing £20m to help build and run four new recovery centres near army bases in the UK.Help for Heroes is contributing £20m to help build and run four new recovery centres near army bases in the UK.
It will either return individuals to duty or take them to a point where it is right for them to be discharged - however long that takes Kevan JonesVeterans minister Soldiers' stories of hospital care
The first was opened as a pilot in Edinburgh in August 2009 and a second is expected to be based in Colchester, Essex, with further centres set for other garrison towns.
In all there will be 12 "personnel recovery units" across the country offering troops therapy, welfare, training and education and employment advice.In all there will be 12 "personnel recovery units" across the country offering troops therapy, welfare, training and education and employment advice.
The structured programme will aim to get soldiers fit to return to a military post or prepare them for life outside the armed forces.The structured programme will aim to get soldiers fit to return to a military post or prepare them for life outside the armed forces.
Veterans will be offered a tailored recovery plan at the units, which will be led by a commanding officer.Veterans will be offered a tailored recovery plan at the units, which will be led by a commanding officer.
Major General Andrew Gregory, director general of Army personnel, said the programme would provide the "educational, occupational and welfare support soldiers need" and would "be delivered in partnership with service charities and other government departments".Major General Andrew Gregory, director general of Army personnel, said the programme would provide the "educational, occupational and welfare support soldiers need" and would "be delivered in partnership with service charities and other government departments".
Soldiers wounded in Afghanistan will continue to be treated at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and receive rehabilitation therapy at Headley Court, Surrey.Soldiers wounded in Afghanistan will continue to be treated at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and receive rehabilitation therapy at Headley Court, Surrey.
But under the ARC scheme, they will receive support from one of the 12 units.But under the ARC scheme, they will receive support from one of the 12 units.
Those who leave the Army will be monitored and supported on their health, education, employment and accommodation needs.Those who leave the Army will be monitored and supported on their health, education, employment and accommodation needs.
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said the scheme would deliver a "world-class" service.Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said the scheme would deliver a "world-class" service.
He added: "It will either return individuals to duty or take them to a point where it is right for them to be discharged - however long that takes."He added: "It will either return individuals to duty or take them to a point where it is right for them to be discharged - however long that takes."