§ 45. Mrs. L. Jegerasked the Minister of Health what provision exists under the National Health Service regulations for patients to secure, at prescribed charges, certificates and medical reports required in connection with applications for compensation and other legal purposes.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithIf a patient needs a certificate under one of a list of enactments specified in the appropriate regulations he can obtain it from his doctor under the National Health Service free of charge; certificates required in connection with claims under the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act are included. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the list of certificates, so specified in regulations, which can be obtained free.
§ Mrs. JegerIs the hon. Lady aware that there is wide divergence in practice? Will she look at the case of one of my constituents, who was asked for four guineas by a London teaching hospital for a certificate which was needed in connection for a claim for compensation following out-patient treatment which he had received at the hospital? Because the man did not have four guineas the solicitor was unable to proceed with the case. If I send the hon. Lady particulars of this and similar cases, will she look into them?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithYes, certainly.