The Ministry of Defence funds the full operating costs of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court and is constantly investing in new staff, facilities, patient welfare and treatment. For the financial year 2008-09, the operating costs of the unit are expected to be over £16 million.
This year we are also constructing a 58-bed accommodation block for non-ward patients and staff, at a cost of around £4 million. In addition, we shall be spending some £3.5 million on other infrastructure work at Headley Court, including initial work for the major site development programme for which around £24 million has been allocated over the next four years (to upgrade clinical facilities and living accommodation) that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 6 May.
For many years the Headley Court estate, which is owned by a charitable trust, has also benefited from additional funding of projects by that trust and other charities, and I am happy to place on record my thanks to them for their continuing support.