§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions have been given to hospitals regarding the issue of sickness certificates to patients discharged but unfit for work and who continue to be treated as outpatients; and if he is satisfied that hospitals are obeying the rules and not telling patients to apply to their general practitioners.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Department issued guidance to health authorities on medical certificates in April 1971. It requires hospital doctors to provide medical certificates for national insurance purposes of out-patients where clinical responsibility for treatment rests with the hospital doctor. I believe that hospitals generally follow this guidance, but if the right hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind I should be glad to look into it.