§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will now hold a further enquiry into the death of Mr. Gibson, (who was refused treatment under the NHS) by someone who is not a member of the same profession and working in the same geographical area as the doctor who refused treatment.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)The medical director at the Southampton University National Health Service Trust has reviewed the hospital's handling of Mr. Gibson's case and is satisfied that the consultant acted correctly throughout.
The NHS has a formal complaints procedure which may be used by any patient or their representative who is dissatisfied with the treatment they have received. In 150WA the case of a complaint from a patient or user of NHS services, referring to the level of service provided or the behaviour of an NHS employee, that should be referred in the first instance to those who have management responsibility for the service.
If Mr. Gibson's relatives were not happy with the clinical decisions made in this case, it is open to them to ask for the complaint to be referred to the Regional Director of Public Health, who may arrange for an Independent Professional Review to be conducted.
If Mr. Gibson's relatives are dissatisfied with the outcome of their complaint to the Hospital about matters other than the clinical decision, then they may refer their complaint to the Health Services Commissioner.