An Army Field Hospital is the latest Australian Defence Force unit to be sent to Sumatra as part of Australia’s on-going commitment to the humanitarian disaster relief following last Sunday’s tsunami.

Defence Minister Robert Hill, has this afternoon confirmed the details behind the announcement made earlier today by Prime Minister John Howard.

"As part of prioritising the useful personnel and equipment that can be sent to Aceh, an Army field hospital has been offered to, and accepted by, Indonesia," Senator Hill said.

"This Army Health Support Company is essentially a self-contained emergency treatment facility that is easily transportable and quick to set up.

"While we do not yet know exactly where the hospital will be based, it most likely will be located where it and the medical staff can be of most use, such as close to Banda Aceh."

The Field Hospital will comprise members of the 1^st Health Support Company and includes doctors, nurses and medical technical staff.

Specific skills include surgeons, intensive care, resuscitation and X-Ray facilities as well as pathology services.

The hospital is run by a staff of around 90 personnel and has a capacity for around 55 beds under normal circumstances.

Senator Hill said this latest medical team was in addition to a smaller team that will operate a primary care reception team aboard HMAS Kanimbla once the ship reaches waters off Aceh.

"We aim to have the lead elements of the field hospital in Sumatra as soon as possible, hopefully within the next 24 hours," Senator Hill said.

"Australia continues to work with the Indonesian Government to prioritise needs and allocate resources where they can be best utilised."