§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why a patient in Broadmoor Hospital was told by his responsible physician that his heart condition might be alleviated by surgery, and then, without any explanation for the change of opinion, that surgery was not recommended; and why his responsible physician refused to allow him to keep an appointment offered by Mr. Yacoub of Harefield Hospital.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Glenarthur)This is a complex matter, on which I have corresponded with the noble Lord in recent months. The medical staff who until now have been responsible for the treatment and care of the patient concerned have not received any request for clinical information, as would be normal where a second opinion on a patient's condition was contemplated. They are prepared, however, to make an approach themselves to the hospital, which is said to be willing to offer an appointment.