HC Deb 19 June 1973 vol 858 cc347-8
3. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the list of hospitals in each of the regions in England where from April 1970 until April 1972 no charges were collected from private non-resident patients for the use of operating theatre facilities, the number of instances when theatre facilities were used for private patients, and his estimate of the loss to the National Health Service which has resulted from the loss of such fees.

The Secretary of State for Social Services (Sir Keith Joseph)

No, Sir. Information about the use of operating theatre facilities by private non-resident patients is not recorded centrally and could not be obtained without extensive inquiries of hospital authorities. I am, however, aware that such cases have occurred and in accordance with the recommendations of the Expenditure Committee I am arranging for a review of the relevant control procedures.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Secretary of State arrange to have the auditors' reports on hospitals centrally examined? Of the cases that he has mentioned, in the Salisbury Hospital, for example, there were 140 uses of the theatre and 360 consultations in two years, of which only 25 were charged for? Is not it now time that each hospital had a standardised method of recording so that auditors can get at such figures?

Sir K. Joseph

I shall consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. The March 1972 audit revealed a dozen cases of hospital authorities where patients had been or appeared to have been treated as private, non-resident patients, not necessarily using the operating theatre, without adequate records of the facilities provided or without having paid the appropriate charges. I am considering the position.

Mr. Molloy

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a possibility of increased abuse in this matter? When he makes an investigation, will he be good enough to examine the situation of National Health Service doctors and nurses who, if charges of abuse occur in this matter, might be implicated in something of which they are innocent?

Sir K. Joseph

I doubt whether there is a case for using the word "abuse". There may be neglect of necessary procedures, and that could be partly my fault for not seeing that the procedures are easily carried out. That is why I am making an inquiry.