§ 52. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made by executive councils for the provision of the names of National Health doctors available for general practitioner services in an emergency in the case of patients who have moved to a new address and who are the victims of a medical emergency before they have had time or opportunity to register with a doctor in their new locality; if he is aware of the difficulties that have been experienced in this respect, particularly during the night hours; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithAny practitioner providing general medical services with the National Health Service has accepted an obligation to give treatment in an emergency to any person whose own National Health Service doctor is not available or who has moved and not yet re-registered with a doctor. Lists of National Health Service doctors are available at main post offices and elsewhere, and arrangements are now being made for telephone exchanges to be included.
88W
§ 63. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Health how many doctors have failed to secure compensation for the loss of the right to sell the goodwill of their practices, brought about by the National Health Service Act, through failing to claim in time; what is the total sum involved; and if he will consider some way of helping them.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithApplications from about one hundred doctors or their representatives had to be refused on the ground that a claim was not made within the time limit, which, after extension, finally expired on 28th February, 1951. It is not possible in the absence of particulars of claims to say how much would have been payable for these doctors. I regret that, for reasons which have been explained in a letter to the hon. Member, the claims cannot now be admitted.