§ 42. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what advice he has given to hospital management committees in regard to surgical patients being informed of the identity of the surgeon who performs the operation.
§ Dr. JohnsonIs my hon. Friend aware that in the usual form for giving permission for an operation there is a covering clause, signed by the patient, to the effect: "I understand an assurance has not been given that the operation will be performed by a particular surgeon"? While this is naturally a legitimate protection for the surgeons or the hospital, is he aware that it is often misread by the patient, who understands that he is unable subsequently to obtain the name of the surgeon who does the operation? Will not he discuss this form to see whether he cannot recommend that there should be a supplementary explanation?
§ Mr. BraineAs my hon. Friend indicates, it cannot always be known in advance which member of the surgical team will take part in a particular case, but there should be no difficulty in a patient finding out who performed the operation.