Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Addington (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 25 November 2009.

Defence Medical Services

Question: Virtually all of us have received briefing that states that many members of the Defence Medical Services are thinking of leaving, often because they do not believe that they are being well enough paid. What is being done in practical terms to encourage those who are in the services to stay?

Answer: My Lords, as I have said, significant retention items have come up for discussion in quite an imaginative way and I think that the situation is improving. What the House needs to remember is that those who serve on operations often gain significant experience, especially in field trauma, which would not be available elsewhere. That is valuable to them in their work and, indeed, valuable to their trusts when they return. The pinch points that we have had have been addressed. The pay review body tries to ensure that there is comparability with the National Health Service.

Secondary information