British Army Unifies Healthcare Corps with Launch of Royal Army Medical Service
In a significant move to enhance its medical capabilities, the British Army has announced the formation of the Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS), merging three historic healthcare corps— the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Royal Army Dental Corps, and the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps. This restructuring aims to create a unified, inclusive, and representative healthcare unit to meet the evolving medical challenges faced by warfighters in modern combat.
The RAMS will retain the foundational principles of the existing corps, ensuring that the integration process will not adversely affect military or civilian personnel numbers. Meanwhile, the Royal Veterinary Corps, which is focused on animal welfare and training, will continue its independent operations in Leicestershire.
Master General Army Medical Services, Maj. Gen. Timothy Hodgetts, emphasized that this modernization effort is centered around cultural and behavioral change, aimed at developing a single, agile workforce capable of adapting to uncertainty while delivering cutting-edge medical treatment and care.
The official launch of RAMS is set for November, marked by a formation parade at the Royal Military Academy’s Regimental Headquarters in Sandhurst. The event will showcase new gear and equipment that will be utilized under the new medical service.
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard expressed the government’s commitment to restructuring the Army to better protect the nation and foster prosperity. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of those serving in the RAMS, highlighting the importance of promoting the world-class capabilities of the British Army’s medical services.
This strategic integration of healthcare corps is seen as a vital step towards improving medical support for British troops, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the challenges of contemporary warfare.
