HC Deb 19 July 1977 vol 935 cc432-3W
49. Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to change the present situation whereby patients in postgraduate teaching hospitals do not have access to the services of community health councils.

Mr. Ennals

Patients of postgraduate teaching hospitals may seek the advice and assistance of community health councils in the same way as other NHS patients. Councils do not have a statutory relationship with boards of governors of postgraduate teaching hospitals as they do with area health authorities, but I am not aware that this has given rise to difficulties for patients. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and will write to me I will look into it.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to change the present situation whereby patients in postgraduate teaching hospitals do not have access to the services of community health councils.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to change the present situation whereby patients in postgraduate teaching hospitals do not have access to the services of community health councils.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take to change the present situation whereby patients in post-graduate teaching hospitals do not have access to the services of community health councils.

Mr. Ennals

Patients of postgraduate teaching hospitals may seek the advice and assistance of community health councils in the same way as other NHS patients Councils do not have a statutory relation-ship with boards of governors of post-graduate teaching hospitals as they do with area health authorities, but I am not aware that this has given rise to difficulties for patients. If the hon. Members have particular cases in mind and will write to me I will look into them.