This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/6226316.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
'No complacency' on military care | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The government has denied "complacency" over medical care for the armed forces and that standards had fallen. | |
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram angrily denied the claims by Tory Andrew Murrison in a Commons debate. | |
Mr Ingram said "excellent treatment" was given and critics did a "huge discredit" to the armed forces and NHS. | |
Meanwhile, MPs carrying out an inquiry into military medical care visited a hospital where service personnel hurt in Iraq and Afghanistan are treated. | |
The inquiry, by the Commons Defence Committee, follows criticism of the care and support given to wounded personnel in some areas. | |
Its committee members were scheduled to speak to patients, NHS chiefs and representatives at the specialist unit at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital. | |
The Commons row erupted during a debate on the armed forces. | |
'Frontline perception' | |
Dr Murrison, a Royal Navy Reserve member who served in Iraq in 2003, told Mr Ingram: "You talk of your commitment to our troops in action. | |
Can it be improved? Yes, it can and we won't stint in doing so Adam IngramArmed Forces Minister | |
"Clearly from the front line the perception is very different indeed and I'm surprised at your complacency." | |
Mr Ingram called the charge "an outrageous comment". | |
"The quality and the dedication of our medical teams is of the highest standard," he said. | |
"Criticisms have been made. Those criticisms now have to be addressed. If they stack up, we will have find answers. | |
"But we aren't complacent. The overall quality of care, both in theatre and when they return home, is of the very highest standard. | |
"Can it be improved? Yes, it can and we won't stint in doing so." | |
Mr Ingram also denied allegations that standards of theatre care were worse now than 40 years ago. | |
"The standard of today's medical service is vastly better than what was provided in the Falklands War, let alone the Vietnam war," he said. | |
He added that casualties now survived injuries that would "certainly have killed them 40 years ago". | |
The Commons Defence Committee inquiry was launched following criticism over the closure of the military hospitals and some complaints about the treatment received by soldiers in NHS hospitals. | |
Among criticisms is that there is no suitable accommodation at Selly Oak for family members who want to be with their relative during often long periods of recovery. | Among criticisms is that there is no suitable accommodation at Selly Oak for family members who want to be with their relative during often long periods of recovery. |
The government argues that military hospitals cannot match NHS specialised care and treatment. | The government argues that military hospitals cannot match NHS specialised care and treatment. |
The committee is expected to publish its recommendations later this year. |