§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue guidance to health authorities and NHS trusts on methods to reduce cancellations by hospital outpatients, with specific reference to the use of post and phone reminder systems. [12810]
§ Mr. BoatengBest practice guidance, including the issuing of reminder letters and the use of freephones and answer-phones, to reduce non-attendance in outpatients clinics was issued by the NHS executive's north-west office and has been widely distributed throughout the NHS. Copies are available in the Library.
The Government are developing a new NHS charter which, among other things, will be looking for a proper balance between patients' rights and their responsibilities towards the NHS. This includes keeping appointments or informing the NHS if they are unable to do so.