Search: Armed forces beds wounded
Extra ward beds will be provided at the armed forces rehabilitation centre where wounded British troops are nursed back to health, the Government has announced.
Veterans minister Kevan Jones said the number of beds for patients needing the most intensive treatment would increase from 66 to 96 this year.
In recent years the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, near Epsom in Surrey, has treated large numbers of personnel injured in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mr Jones said in a written ministerial statement: "Many of its patients, particularly those who have suffered severe injuries, need to return to the unit for further treatment at intervals, often over a period of years.
"We keep the numbers of beds required under regular review. The unit's facilities currently include 66 ward beds and 120 other beds for patients.
"As prudent contingency planning, we propose to increase the number of ward beds available in the near to medium term.
"We are therefore now working on plans to provide up to 30 extra ward beds later this year, as well as updating and expanding our existing clinical facilities at Headley Court in the longer term.
"Planning permission for new buildings will be sought in the normal way."
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The announcement does not affect the 120 dormitory-style beds at Headley Court for patients who do not need such intensive care.
