§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what vetting procedures are operated on the staff of taxi firms which operate patient transport services.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe purchaser of any patient transport service should satisfy itself that the private contractor will employ staff who are sufficiently qualified and of good character. The competence required of staff can be specified in the contract conditions. Further guidance is in the code of practice for private ambulance operators—EL(93)109—and revised guidance on market testing in the national health service—EL(93)55. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accidents have occurred involving patient transport services operated other than by ambulance services.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what specialist training is given to staff of non-ambulance service passenger transport services.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe purchasers of non-ambulance service patient transport services should identify their requirements and satisfy themselves that the staff providing the service are suitably trained to meet the standard expected. The Department's code of practice for private ambulance operators—EL(93)109—copies of which are available in the Library, gives further guidance to prospective purchasers.