HC Deb 22 July 1954 vol 530 cc1544-5
33. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to ensure that patients receiving dental treatment under the National Health Service should be given a certificate to the effect that such treatment is accepted under the service.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Dentists providing such treatment undertake to conform to certain terms of service which include a requirement to give a signed statement of acceptance to patients. Penalties may be imposed for a breach of these terms, following a complaint to the executive council.

Mr. Beswick

While that may be the case, the facts are that in most instances the certificate does not pass to the patient. I agree that in many cases the relationship is so intimate that a certificate is not necessary, but will the hon. Lady bring to the notice of dentists that this requirement is still in force? At present, it is being overlooked.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

This Question and answer will give publicity to the point raised by the hon. Member, but the fact remains that if the patient has a complaint his proper recourse is to the executive council. The method by which the patient can make his complaints in that direction is stated on his medical card.

Mr. Beswick

The hon. Lady knows from the case that I have sent to her that by the time the issue arises the records have been destroyed and court action has subsequently followed. Will the Parliamentary Secretary therefore see whether she can do a little more?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

In the case to which the hon. Member has referred and of which I have had details from him, the patient did not take the method open to him and refer the matter to the executive council, which was his right He could have taken that method of lodging his complaint.