Only 21 injured veterans given access to new £300m rehab centre in 18 months

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JUST 21 injured veterans have accessed a new £300million rehab centre in 18 months.

Charities are calling on the MoD and NHS to get more heroes using the taxpayer-funded facility.

The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre has only treated 21 injured veterans in 18 months

Treatment at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre is only guaranteed to current personnel.

Meanwhile, the thousands who suffered injuries on the frontline and later left the service must go through the NHS — putting more strain on hospitals.

Ministers are now looking at whether veterans could use the centre to relieve “high-pressure areas” in the health service.

The DMRC at Stanford Hall, near Loughborough, Leics, opened in 2018 — replacing Headley Court, Surrey.

Those who suffered injuries, such as amputations, are offered care based on individual merits.

Ex-service personnel can be referred there by the NHS, too — but just 21 have passed through its doors so far.

Phil Hall, from Help for Heroes, said: “It really is a centre of excellence for rehabilitation and we are aware the veterans we support are asking for increased access.

“This would require a change in stance from current MoD and NHS policy.”

Commons Defence Committee chair Tobias Ellwood called for “more co-ordination” and “common sense”.

He added: “This country has a duty of care to those in uniform and those who have left by giving them the best treatment.”

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said talks are ongoing between the MoD and health department over using DMRC to aid the NHS and “how that could benefit veterans”.

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