The British Royal Navy is considering the purchase of one or two hospital ships, termed Primary Casualty Receiving Ships. These would be conversions of existing hulls using modular off-the-shelf hospital elements. Wanted elements include 200 patient beds, extensive surgical and therapy facilities, landing space for two helicopters, facilities to transfer casualties from landing craft, and (when docked) a ramp for ambulances to drive directly onto the ship. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Argus was used in this role during the Gulf War and has had a secondary mission of being converted to a hospital ship as needed.--Stephen V Cole