The service provided by the MAP is as follows:
General Medical Examination for:
- 1990/1991 Gulf Veterans
- Porton Down Veterans
- Veterans of the current operation in Iraq (Operation TELIC)
- Veterans of the current operation in Afghanistan (Operation HERRICK)
Mental Health Examination for:
- All veterans with operational service since 1982 (including veterans of the Falklands Conflict)
The MAP is located at St Thomas' Hospital, London. The MAP is staffed by a doctor who is a qualified General Practitioner and Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive military experience and knowledge of military psychiatry. Veterans with operational service since 1982 (including veterans of the Falklands Conflict) who feel they would benefit from seeing a consultant with a military background should seek a referral via their General Practitioner to the MAP.
What is the purpose of the MAP?
The MAP has two main purposes:
- To investigate patients' medical complaints and, so far as possible, to diagnose what they are suffering from and recommend appropriate management, or provide reassurance if no illness is found
- The MAP collates statistical information, which is available in an anonymised form as a resource for researchers who have obtained the appropriate ethical clearance. This has proved useful in helping to determine whether there are particular patterns of ill health associated with service in the Gulf. (No information about named individuals will be given to third parties without express written consent)
How to refer patients to the MAP?
Doctors are encouraged to refer to the MAP any patients who are concerned that their health may have suffered as a result of their military Service and who fulfil the criteria for being seen. Service Medical Officers or General Practitioners wishing to refer a patient should write to the following address:
Head of Medical Assessment Programme
Baird Health Centre
Gassiot House
St Thomas’ Hospital
Lambeth Palace Road
London
SE1 7EH
Email (see "Contacts Details" on the right)
For those Service Medical Officers or General Practitioners wishing further information about the MAP service they may contact the MAP on Freephone: 0800 169 5401.
Health Guide
A revised version of the "Gulf Health: Information Guide for Health Professionals" will be published shortly. Many of the questions raised about the MAP are common to all groups of veterans who are eligible to attend and the February 2005 version has been retained on this website for information purposes. Health professionals should contact the MAP on Freephone: 0800 169 5401 if they have any questions about the service provided by the MAP.