HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 cc346-7W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes, in terms of rights, occur when a mentally handicapped person is transferred from a National Health Service hospital to a private home, supervised by a consortium; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Patients treated under contractual arrangements retain the same rights as those treated in the National Health Service and the health authority has a continuing responsibility for their medical and nursing care. The position of patients admitted to the private sector following discharge from a National Health Service hospital depends on the terms of the admission. Such patients retain the right to National Health Service general medical and dental services.