Charles: Afghan casualty figures 'astonishing'

20 September 2012

The number of British armed forces personnel being wounded on a daily basis in Afghanistan is "astonishing", Prince Charles has said.

Speaking at the opening of the £16.9m Jubilee Rehabilitation Complex at DMRC Headley Court, Charles said that the public did not often hear about casualty statistics from the on-going campaign in Afghanistan.

"It is only when you visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital or here that you realise how many people are going through such horrific experiences," he said. "It is astonishing.

"It makes me feel incredibly small and humble, what they have been through, what they go on to do and the inspiration they provide to others."

Official Ministry of Defence figures show that there have been 622 British service personnel admitted to field hospitals this year, 151 of whom were wounded in action.

The new rehabilitation complex, fully funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), features 48 beds, therapy rooms, a gym and a workshop for high tech prosthetics.

Group Captain Clare Walton, commanding officer of the DMRC, said the new facility provided "flexibility" for injured personnel who were less mobile.

"I think it is a huge morale boost to know the public and the Royal Family care," she said. "It is essential to their rehabilitation to know that they are valued."