Introduction

A Strategy for the Future

A common criticism made by Defence medical personnel over the last few years is that they have no vision of the future of their Service. Lack of vision has bred uncertainty which has inevitably had a damaging effect on morale. The starting point for this booklet is therefore to set out a new vision for the DMS, and this is highlighted below.

The remainder of the booklet explains how the vision will be achieved. It addresses each of the main issues in turn and shows how they will be tackled over the next few months and years. The section on personnel describes how we plan to make good the shortfall in numbers, and how we will make the DMS a more rewarding career by addressing the concerns of those currently serving. Changes in the organisational structure will improve the management of the DMS and give it a stronger voice in the MOD. Progress on the capability enhancements announced in July is summarised in the section on the medical contribution to operations. Changes in the way we provide medical care include plans for a new Centre for Defence Medicine and the subsequent closure of the Royal Hospital Haslar. Finally, there will be a strengthening of the vitally important relationship between the DMS and the National Health Service (NHS).

Each of these issues is inter-related and the order in which they appear in this booklet is not indicative of their importance. We intend to make progress on all of them. The overall strategy described will lead to the rebuilding of the DMS in the medium term.

The DMS Vision