§ 91. Mr. H. Boardmanasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the delays in the hospitals' consultant service and of the priority being given to fee paying patients; and what action he proposes to ensure that priority is accorded strictly on medical grounds.
239W
§ Mr. K. RobinsonI am aware that there are some delays in obtaining appointments for non-urgent conditions at consultative out-patient departments and that it may sometimes be possible to obtain a private consultation more quickly. I have no evidence, however, that patients who require hospital treatment without payment after a private consultation are allowed any priority greater than that appropriate to their medical condition, but I shall be glad to look into any particular case my hon. Friend may have in mind.