Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Minister of Health how many homes for the aged have been established by the respective county and borough authorities in Wales and Monmouthshire; what are the latest available figures for elderly people in need of care and attention waiting for admission to these homes; and how many homes for the aged are programmed for 1967–68 by the respective county and borough authorities in Wales and Monmouthshire.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe following is the information:—
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe arrangements, which were commended to hospital authorities in a circular issued on 7th March, 1966, are designed to ensure that all such complaints are received sympathetically, dealt with promptly, and seen to have been fully and fairly considered.
373WAn oral complaint which cannot be dealt with at once to the complainant's satisfaction is referred to a senior officer, who takes appropriate action and explains to the complainant what has been done. It the complainant remains unsatisfied, the complaint is put into writing.
A written complaint goes to the Secretary of the Board of Governors or Hospital Management Committee (or a senior officer designated by him), who, if he cannot deal with it satisfactorily in consultation with the head of the department concerned, refers it to the hospital authority or a committee of its members for decision as to further action.
Where further investigation is thought necessary the procedure varies with the nature and gravity of the complaint. One or more members of the Board of Governors or Hospital Management Committee, or of the Regional Hospital Board concerned, together, where appropriate, with persons who are not members, may be appointed to investigate and report, the complainant and any person complained against being allowed to be present (with a friend if desired) and to be heard; or the matter, if more serious, may be referred by the Hospital Board for independent inquiry, to a lawyer or other competent person from outside the hospital service, either alone or presiding over a small committee of persons independent of the authority concerned, the complainant and any person complained against being allowed to be present to cross-examine witnesses, and to be legally represented if they wish. The conclusions reached are considered by the hospital authority, conveyed to the complainant and reported where appropriate to me.
In addition, I have statutory powers to cause an inquiry to be held in any hospital service case where this seems advisable. Witnesses can be compelled to attend the inquiry and evidence is given on oath. There is also a special procedure for dealing with serious disciplinary cases involving professional conduct or competence of hospital doctors or dentists, whether they arise on complaint or not.
All these procedures are additional to the legal remedy open to a patient who suffers harm as a result of negligence on the part of hospital staff.