Porton Down : Medical Assessment Programme

Volunteers who are concerned that their health was affected by participation in the Service Volunteer Programme can attend the Ministry of Defence’s Medical Assessment Programme at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Who is eligible?

Any Porton Down volunteer for whom a record of attendance can be identified, and who is concerned that their health might have been affected by participation in the trials.

What's in it for me?

It is important for those attending the Medical Assessment Programme to have realistic expectations. The Medical Assessment Programme does not provide treatment, and the Ministry of Defence is responsible for treating only those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces. The Medical Assessment Programme cannot alter the reality that many volunteers suffer with well-established conditions or diagnoses common in the older population. However, the medical assessment is personal to each volunteer and will have a different impact depending on their individual assessment. Experience with Gulf veterans shows considerable value in providing reassurance.

How do I make an appointment?

To ensure continuity with volunteers' existing health care arrangements all referrals to the Medical Assessment Programme must be made through a GP or other health professional (e.g. a consultant physician). So, first consult your GP. It will be the GP's judgement whether a referral is appropriate in each individual case. GPs are welcome to discuss cases with the Medical Assessment Programme first, by phone or correspondence.

If you have already been in touch with Porton Down via their helpline about your attendance as a Volunteer, and have a letter from them confirming details of your participation, then show it to your GP, as it will help them make a judgement about a referral.

If you have not yet contacted the Porton Helpline, we suggest you do so before seeking a referral to the Medical Assessment Programme. It will be much easier to assess your case if details of your trial participation are available to your GP and the Medical Assessment Programme consultants.

What will happen on the day?

Volunteers who attend St Thomas' Hospital will receive an extensive medical consultation, clinical examination, tests and investigations if required, and a discussion of symptoms or diagnoses and their relationship, if any, to trials at Porton Down. The results of this consultation, with any recommendations for treatment, will be reported back to the volunteer's GP or referring consultant, who will remain responsible for treatment.

Besides providing an individual consultation, the Medical Assessment Programme will also collect data on the health and trial exposures of volunteers who attend St Thomas'. This data, when aggregated and anonymised, may help subsequent research to shed light on linkages between types of exposures and types of ill health, and may be published. Volunteers who attend the MAP will be invited to sign an agreement which under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 will allow their individual data to be used in this way. Privacy of 'medical in confidence' and other personal information is guaranteed at all times.

Will MOD cover my travel expenses?

When an appointment is confirmed, usually within two to three weeks of referral, volunteers will be sent details of the administrative arrangements for their attendance. MOD will provide warrants for standard class travel by rail – or air tickets, if appropriate, for travel within the UK. Alternatively, veterans who live in Northern Ireland may obtain an air ticket from SSAFA on 028 9032 7740. If you incur additional travel costs during your journey, such as travel to your nearest train station or London Underground tickets, apply for reimbursement to PCV at the following address, including copies of all tickets and receipts: 

Pensions Compensation and Veterans (PCV)
Ministry of Defence
Main Building
Horseguards Avenue, London
SW1A 2HB

MOD will also reimburse up to £10 for a snack or light lunch; again, receipts should be included.

If the length of your journey prevents a return trip within a single day, VPU will arrange accommodation for you in London. The cost of your stay, including evening meal (at the hotel), bed and breakfast, will be paid directly by the MOD.

Please do not arrange your own accommodation; we cannot guarantee full reimbursement if you do so.

Who do I get in touch with?

Useful telephone numbers:
Porton Down Helpline 0800 783 2521
MOD Helpline 0800 169 4495
Medical Assessment Programme Helpline 0800 169 5401