The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited on Tuesday

Defence Minister Derek Twigg has become the latest VIP to visit Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital, where the majority of those hurt overseas are sent.

He said swipe cards would be introduced on three trauma wards and CCTV added.

Mr Twigg dismissed reports that an injured paratrooper at the hospital had been threatened by a Muslim visitor.

He said he could find no evidence that the incident had ever happened.

We've listened to issues and concerns raised Defence Minister Derek Twigg

The minister added: "When I heard about that, I was very concerned. I've looked into it and I can find no foundation for that happening."

His visit comes at a time when the government has been criticised over the conditions and medical treatment for troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

There have also been complaints about the lack of dedicated military hospital facilities in the UK.

Pressed about the security implications of mixed wards, the minister said: "We want to look at security and make sure we provide an enhancement to that.

"We've listened to issues and concerns raised."

First hand

The swipe cards would be added by the end of the week and in the near future CCTV cameras would be put in.

Mr Twigg said the measures had been agreed months before and denied they were the result of his visit.

The Prince of Wales, Defence Secretary Des Browne and several senior military officers have visited injured personnel at the hospital in recent weeks.

Mr Twigg said the purpose of his visit was to highlight a new welfare package he announced on Thursday for servicemen and women, and to hear first hand about their medical treatment.