§ 58. Mr. Herbert Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many days' notice the Executive Council is required to give to a patient before removal from the list of a general practitioner.
§ Mr. CrossmanWhere the doctor requests removal, the Council remove the patient's name seven days after they receive the request or, if the patient is receiving treatment, seven days after they are informed by the doctor that this has been completed. Removal is earlier if the patient is meanwhile accepted by or assigned to another doctor. The Council are required to notify the patient accordingly, and to inform him that he should apply to another doctor for acceptance. There are provisions enabling a patient so removed to receive any necessary treatment while he is not on a 203W doctor's list. Executive Councils will if necessary help in finding another doctor. I would expect these arrangements to safeguard the needs of elderly and other patients.
§ Mr. Herbert Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will review the arrangements as between patients and general practitioners regarding notice of removal, particularly with regard to elderly persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CrossmanI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him earlier today. I would expect these arrangements to safeguard the needs of elderly and other patients.