NHS told to learn from military
02/03/2009

NHS told to learn from 'exemplary' military healthcare

NHS accident and emergency services should take lessons from the "exemplary" care provided to injured troops on the front line, the Healthcare Commission has urged.

A Healthcare Commission report published today praises field hospitals for reaching casualties quickly, ensuring staff receive excellent training and using innovative approaches to treatment.

It says the British military's trauma and rehabilitation services are "exemplary".

Healthcare Commission chair Sir Ian Kennedy said: "There is absolutely no question that personnel injured in battle have a better chance of survival than ever before.

"That is entirely due to efficient and innovative care, delivered under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Lessons for the NHS

"The NHS's urgent and emergency services could learn a lot from how the defence service plans care, trains staff and constantly seeks to learn and improve trauma services."

The report is the first ever independent review of the Defence Medical Services, responsible for providing healthcare to defence personnel and their families in the UK and at outposts overseas.

In addition to medical centres based in conflict zones and rehabilitation units in the UK and Germany, the services cover general practice, dentistry, occupational medicine and community mental health.

Away from the front line

However, away from battle zones, inspectors found maintenance and cleanliness problems at some medical units and called for improved awareness of procedures for safeguarding children.

Sir Ian said: "Away from the front line and the spotlight of war, the DMS must give urgent attention to the maintenance and cleanliness of buildings.

"It must also improve awareness that 16 and 17 year olds are still legally children - military personnel or not - and healthcare workers have a responsibility to act on any suspicion of bullying or abuse."

Source: HSJ