Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support armed forces personnel who are unable to be deployed due to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.

There are a range of programmes available, with specifically tailored support provided to personnel at increased risk of MSKI. Commanding Officers are also provided with specific guidance and education to reduce the occurrence of MSKI.

Innovative solutions are being piloted through the Human Performance Optimisation programme, which has assessed Vitamin D supplementation and revised ration packs to increase protein content. Additionally, personnel may have their medical employment standard amended to protect them from activities that might exacerbate their condition.

Personnel who are unable to be deployed due to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are managed clinically by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC). DPHC provides rehabilitation services across the UK delivered through Primary Care Rehabilitation Facilities and Regional Rehabilitation Units, with Personnel being able to access physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation quickly and throughout their service. For more complex cases, Personnel receive dedicated support at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre; a world leader in specialist rehabilitation care.

Where Personnel require surgical intervention, DPHC commissions private healthcare treatment for Service personnel which falls outside NHS policy and provision. Bespoke private-sector healthcare pathways are also offered for some Service personnel in priority trade groups who are on NHS waiting lists for longer than 18 weeks. Additionally, the Regional Rehabilitation Unit Fast Track Scheme, in contract with a private-sector healthcare provider, delivers rapid access to high quality musculoskeletal diagnostic imaging, high quality orthopaedic specialist surgical intervention and access to an accelerated spinal care pathway.

Defence is committed to ensuring that Service Personnel receive the care and treatment required to ensure they can get back to fitness.