§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any plans to change the arrangements under which medical students have access to national health service patients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMedical students have always undertaken clinical work in hospitals, and this forms an essential part of their training. There are also long-standing arrangements under which final year students may assist in hospitals when a house officer is on leave. Following consultation with health authorities, the General Medical Council, the medical profession and the universities, revised guidance has been issued clarifying the circumstances in which students may have access, under close supervision, to hospital patients. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library.