Health Minister hosts reception for deploying healthcare reservists

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, today hosted a reception at Hillsborough Castle for the 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) who will be deploying shortly to Afghanistan for a three month tour of duty.

Some 70 personnel will be deployed to the UK Medical Group hospital at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. The reservists, from a wide range of specialisms across the health service, will provide critical medical support to the Armed Forces and the Afghan National Army, the Taliban and Afghan civilians including children.

Mr McGimpsey said: "I wish our colleagues in 204 Field Hospital well on their deployment. The members of the Field Hospital will bring a variety of skills and expertise from the health and social care system as well as the independent sector.

"In Northern Ireland we have unfortunately had a lot of experience in trauma treatment and that expertise is now available to those serving in Afghanistan.

"We wish our colleagues a safe tour of duty and we are very proud of their commitment to delivering the very best health care to not only those serving in the Armed Forces, but also the citizens of Afghanistan."

The reception was attended by the families of those who will be deploying and by a wide cross-representation of political life and members of the Assembly Health Committee.

Sir David Richards, Commander in Chief, UK Land Forces, and Major General Chris Brown, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Ireland were also in attendance.

The 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) is Northern Ireland’s only Territorial Army field hospital and will be deploying to Afghanistan from mid-July until October.

Notes to Editors:

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