Written question asked by James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Navy: Hospital Ships

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational vessels are currently available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities.

Answer: All Royal Navy major surface combatants have integral medical facilities capable of receiving and treating casualties. The availability and scale of these is dependent on operational tasking. Both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, all the Type 45 destroyers and the three Bay Class RFAs are capable of delivering consultant-led pre- and deployed hospital patient care. This comprehensive facility is also incorporated into the design of Type 26 City-class Frigates.

Secondary information