§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance his Department gives to health authorities in Wales concerning the conveyance of patients to and from hospital by public transport.
§ Mr. GristGuidance is provided in Welsh health circular (77)4. Some patients are able to have their travelling expenses paid. The procedure for this is explained in DHSS leaflet H11.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the lack of ambulance facilities to convey patients to and from hospitals in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristA few representations on behalf of patients not in medical need of ambulance transport but without easy access to public transport, were received from community health councils and local authorities in Gwynedd during the period of public consultation on the criteria proposed by Gwynedd health authority for the transport of non-emergency patients. Gwynedd health authority was aware of these representations and the ambulance service has reacted sympathetically to individual cases of difficulty.