Minister Welcomes Safe Return Of Healthcare Reservists

Northern Health Minister Michael McGimpsey welcomed the safe return of the 204 Field Hospital healthcare reservists from Afghanistan last Friday.

The Minister said: "During my recent visit to Helmand Province I saw at first hand the critical medical support these men and women have provided to those injured in the conflict. I was deeply impressed by their bravery, and the compassion and care they showed for all their patients.

"We are very proud of their commitment to delivering the very best healthcare, in often very difficult circumstances, to not only those serving in the Armed Forces but also the citizens of Afghanistan."

Some 70 personnel from a wide range of specialisms across the health service were deployed to the UK Medical Group hospital at Camp Bastion. During their three month tour of duty, the reservists dealt with around 600 admissions to the hospital and carried out almost 400 operations providing medical care and support to the casualties from the Armed Forces, the Afghan National army, the Taliban and Afghan civilians including children.

The Minister continued: "The reservists' expertise has proved invaluable in Afghanistan. The skills they took with them have been instrumental in making a huge contribution to saving lives. The experience and developed skills they bring back with them will now be used to benefit patients and the health service across Northern Ireland."

The 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) is the North's only Territorial Army field hospital and was deployed to Afghanistan in mid July.