§ 9. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Health how many cases have been notified to the Medical Council in Newcastle-on-Tyne during the last three years, in which patients or their relatives have complained to the council about the negligence of their local doctor; and how many of these complaints have been upheld as justifiable.
§ Miss PittThe Executive Councils for Northumberland and for Newcastle-upon-Tyne have in the last three years considered under Service Committee procedure a total of 12 cases arising from complaints by or on behalf of patients against doctors. Of the nine where the procedure has been completed, the doctor was found to have failed to comply with his terms of service in one case.
§ Mr. McKayDoes not that show what a wonderful set of people we have working in the medical profession? At the same time, the impression one gets from people who make complaints is that they do not get a fair hearing on the spot. Could the hon. Lady say how many doctors and how many laymen are on the council? Can a patient's representative cross-question any of the doctors hearing a case?
§ Miss PittI am not able to give the details of the procedure, but I am able to tell the hon. Gentleman that a person who makes complaint has the right of appeal to my right hon. and learned Friend. Two such cases are now pending in the area in which the hon. Gentleman is interested.