HC Deb 22 January 1985 vol 71 cc411-2W
Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will outline the procedures followed by National Health Service hospitals regarding money paid for safekeeping into hospital accounts by patients; how such accounts are administered; what are the criteria governing withdrawals; how sums deposited are accounted for at the end of a patient's hoapital stay; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

Guidance on the administrative arrangements for the custody, withdrawal and disposal of money held by National Health Service hospitals on behalf of patients is contained in the "Hospital Memorandum on Patients' Moneys" (HM(71)90) supplemented by more detailed advice in a booklet "Patients' Property, Income and Allowances" which was commended to health authorities and secretaries of boards of governors on 21 September 1979. Copies of both these documents are in the Library.

We are currently preparing revised guidance for consultation.