HC Deb 31 January 1975 vol 885 cc360-1W
Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied that there is adequate provision within the National Health Service hospital service for the needs of women who wish to be treated by women doctors and nurses only.

Dr. Owen

Hospital services must be organised to meet the needs of the community as a whole within available resources. While hospitals will try to meet the wishes of individuals or groups in so far as this is practicable, it is normally not possible to guarantee treatment by doctors or other staff of one sex. This would, for example, mean distinguishing between the sexes in the appointment and deployment of medical and other staff.