§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated cost of production and circulation of the "Patients Charter News"; and if she will list its print total and number of editions each year; what is its purpose; to whom it is circulated; and who is responsible for its content.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe patients charter has stimulated many innovative ideas and much good practice throughout the national health service. The patients charter news, published every other month, aims to share ideas with NHS staff to stimulate improved performance on the charter.
Forty-four thousand copies are printed of each edition. Copies are distributed to all parts of the NHS, including health authorities and hospitals.
The estimated annual cost of patients charter news for this financial year is £30,000. The patients charter unit of the NHS management executive has responsibility for the content of the newsletter.