§ Mr. Whitlockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what requirements are expected as to the availability and services of doctors and receptionists at health centres.
§ Dr. OwenGenerally speaking a family doctor, whether he practises from a health centre or from his own premises, is required to provide for his patients, either personally or through a deputy, all necessary and appropriate personal medical services of the type usually provided by general medical practitioners, and, unless prevented by an emergency, to be available for consultation at the places and during the hours approved by the Family Practitioner Committee. Detailed practice arrangements, such as the provision of a receptionist, including hours of attendance, are a matter for the doctor himself.
A receptionist, whether employed directly by the doctor, or, as in some health centres, by the area health authority on his behalf, works under the doctor's direction and he is responsible for any acts and omissions.
§ Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what communication was sent from her Department to the health centres at Lincoln and Dudley concerning the right of general practitioners to treat private patients; if this represents official policy; and what was the reason for the subsequent withdrawal of these letters.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop) on 12th December.—[Vol. 902, c.412–3.]