§ 59. Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what conclusion she has reached, following her consideration of the problems posed by the desire of community health councils to study hospital advisory service reports; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe value of the work of the Hospital Advisory Service depends largely on mutual confidence between them and the health authorities and their staffs. To preserve this relationship the reports of the service must be treated in confidence. We have, however, advised authorities in England that, with the exception of material which may be prejudicial to the interests of staff, they may inform community health councils on a confidential basis of recommendations made by the hospital advisory service and, in answer to specific questions about services in hospitals they have visited, of any relevant comments made in their report. We shall keep an eye on the working of these arrangements.