Future management of seriously injured Reservists
March 2008
New changes to the management of seriously injured Reserve Forces personnel has been implemented to ensure that the appropriate care is provided following a recent policy review of this service.
Mobilised Reservists are already eligible for the full range of Defence medical Services (DMS) healthcare.
All Reservists while on duty (whether mobilised or not) are eligible for emergency treatment from the DMS healthcare within the current structures of both DMS and National Healthcare Service (NHS), and non-mobilised casualties requiring further treatment in the UK will transfer to NHS care.
The review concluded that Reservists who are not mobilised and have suffered a relatively serious injury during training, should receive the same healthcare through DMS or NHS as mobilised Reservists and their Regular counterparts.
Key facts:
- Reservists are eligible to access treatment in DMS facilities if they are seriously injured while serving on duty, including conducting military training or other duties under the Reserve Forces Act 1996.
- A patient is categorised as 'very seriously ill' when his or her illness or injury is such severity that life is imminently endangered.
- A patient is termed 'seriously ill' when his or her illness or injury is of such severity that there is cause for immediate concern but there is no imminent danger to life.
- In response to the notification of a serious casualty an appropriate medical representative from Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) will arrange a review of the case and advise the most appropriate facility to support the ongoing clinical needs of the patient.
- If an individual suffers an injury or illness that leads to partial or total disability he or she may become eligible for Disability Allowance only if the injury or illness is attributable to Reserve service.
For further information see the MoD Defence Intranet or speak to your unit administration staff officer for sight of the complete Defence Instruction and Notice (Ref: 2008DIN01-023).
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