1 Aug 2008

NZ defence personnel join US nursing ship in PNG

1:22 pm on 1 August 2008

Eight New Zealand Defence Force personnel are to join the United States Nursing Ship Mercy to provide medical support to the people of Papua New Guinea.

The defence minister, Phil Goff, says over the next three weeks, members of the navy, army and air Force will assist the Pacific Partnership '08 humanitarian and development mission.

He says they will be working alongside military medical personnel from 13 other nations.

The ship has a surgical suite, including three operating theatres, and 50 ward beds as well as laboratory, radiology and pharmacy services.