§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the position of private patients in hospital in the light of the action taken by members of the National Union of Public Employees.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations took place between the management of the Charing Cross Hospital and the Department as to the action to be taken following the request by a trade union that all private patients be removed from the private wing of the hospital; and what was the advice given by her Department.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer the hon. Members to my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe) on 3rd July and on 8th July.
§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how private inpatients are charged for treatment in a National Health Service hospital; what contribution the private consultant takes from fees received: and whether this is based on a percentage, or fixed payment, for each bed used.
§ Dr. OwenPrivate resident patients in National Health Service hospitals pay the full cost of hospital accommodation and services on a scale of charges determined annually by my right hon. Friend. No share of these charges is paid to hospital medical or other staff. Where the patient has made arrangements for private medical treatment with a part-time consultant the fees charged for professional services are a matter for agreement between the doctor and the patient.
Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what groups of patients in National Health Service hospitals are refused nursing care by members of the COHSE union; and what steps are being taken to encourage a return to normal working.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply today to the right hon. and learned Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe).