Contemporary French maritime hospital capabilities

The polyvalent nature of the three French BPCs creates flexibility for command, especially if two could be deployed simultaneously on the same operation. They each contain an impressive MTF designed into the ship from the initial concept, with a modular ability to function as anything from Role 2 to 3. It is hoped that as part of Defence Engagement the RNMS will be able to exercise on board a BPC. The level of integration between France and the UK with respect to human resources in the medical environment requires further work to ascertain what is feasible, bearing in mind the language difficulties and differences between the training, working practices and even ranks.