§ 15. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to deal with the unpunctual attendance of doctors at hospital out-patient clinics.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThis is a matter for the hospital authorities concerned.
§ Lieut-Colonel LiptonHas the right hon. Gentleman seen articles which have appeared in "The Lancet" complaining about the continued unpunctuality of doctors in charge of hospital out-patient clinics? Are not these gentlemen reasonably well paid for their services and ought they not to clock in on time to ensure a humane and efficient out-patient service?
§ Mr. MacleodIt is unquestionably true that the time of patients is very valuable, but let us not forget how very valuable also is the time of consultants and specialists.
§ Mr. ChapmanOn the point that specialists are very busy men, will the right hon. Gentleman encourage hospitals to tighten up their appointments systems so that out-patients may attend at times suitable to the specialists?
§ Mr. MacleodI believe that that is fundamentally a matter for the hospital authorities themselves. I have inquired into the issue of guidance on this matter and as it was a very long time ago that my Department issued guidance I will consider whether it would be helpful to do so again.