A review into the prosthetics services provided by the National Health Service (NHS) to armed forces veterans who have lost limbs on active duty, was launched on January 3 by the Health Minister Andrew Lansley.

The Department of Health has been informed by service charities that some armed forces leavers have raised concerns that the NHS may not be suitably equipped to provide the correct level of prosthetic services to veterans at the same standard that is currently provided by the Defence Medical Service at Headley Court.

The Government has launched a review, to be lead by Dr Andrew Murrison MP, into the services currently offered to veterans by the NHS, and review what future demands will be made on the service.

The review will gather evidence on the current and future needs of veterans for prosthetics services, and on the provision and cost of services. It will also look at how to fund high specification prosthetics and services within the NHS, also the possible contribution of personal health budgets and the inclusion of these in continuing healthcare arrangements.

How regional variations in service can be minimised and how the transition from the armed forces' prosthetics care to the NHS can be improved, also what role can service charities provide in helping to meet the realistic needs of individuals over and above that which the NHS can provide.

The Government will be calling on the experience and knowledge of the British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association (BLESMA) and Help for Heroes in taking this work forward, as well as the MOD, NHS and other service charities.

DIARY DATES: Today: The Royal Artillery Association meets at 19.30 hours at the RAOB club on Otley Road.

Thursday: The Guiseley branch of The Royal British Legion meet at 14.00 hours at The Guide Hut, The Green, Guiseley.

Sunday: The Bradford branch of the Royal Engineers Association meets at 11.30 hours at Belle Vue Barracks, Bradford.