§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in addition to a charge against hospital patients, admitted as casualty cases, of un to £20 a week for the use of a private ward, the use of such a ward can automatically 318W deprive the patient of his right to free treatment, and authorise the hospital surgeon to make substantial charges for his own services and those of his anaesthetist; and whether he will amend his regulations so that the use of a private ward in such circumstances does not automatically entitle the surgeon to charge.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodNo amendment to the Regulations appears necessary. A patient needing urgent admission may be admitted to a pay bed without charge if other suitable accommodation is not available. A patient who is in need of privacy on medical grounds is entitled to receive it under the National Health Service without charge, and would be admitted to a pay bed only at his own request or that of his representative. A patient who so elects to be admitted to a pay bed normally receives his medical treatment under private arrangements and is, therefore, liable to pay medical fees as well as hospital charges.