HL Deb 01 February 1979 vol 398 cc441-2WA
Earl AMHERST

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is true that a National Health Service patient who makes a complaint against his doctor is black-listed by the National Health Service as troublesome and undesirable and is therefore deprived of his right to obtain the medical attention he seeks and a doctor of his own choice.

And:

What are patients' rights under the National Health Service, and how can these rights be exercised, when the patient is dissatisfied with the treatment, attention or behaviour of his doctor and wishes to change without delay to a new doctor of his own choice.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

I am glad to be able to assure the noble Earl that there is no truth whatever in any suggestion that patients are blacklisted by the National Health Service and so deprived of medical attention, for the reason he mentions or for any other reason. With regard to the general medical services provided by family doctors, both the doctor and the patient have the right to terminate the relationship without giving any reason. This is fair and necessary to enable the doctor/patient relationship to be based on mutual confidence and respect.

When a patient makes a complaint against his doctor, sometimes the patient's name is removed from the doctor's list either at the instance of the patient or the doctor. If the patient cannot find another doctor he can seek the help of the Family Practitioner Committee, who will endeavour to put the patient in touch with a doctor willing to accept him.

If this proves difficult the family practitioner can, if the person so wishes, assign him to a doctor. The obligation to accept assigned patients in this way is part of the terms of service of family doctors.

The Department of Health and Social Security is not aware of any general or widespread difficulties in operating these arrangements. I should of course be glad to investigate any individual cases of difficulty which the noble Earl may have in mind. Any dissatisfied patient can change to another doctor willing to accept him. If his doctor consents, he may change immediately; if his doctor's consent has not been obtained he must notify the Family Practitioner Committee and 14 days after that he can be admitted to the list of another doctor.