HC Deb 21 January 1987 vol 108 c622W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what advice he has given London teaching hospitals in connection with prescribing drugs for patients attending out-patient clinics.

Mr. Newton

Long-standing guidance to all health authorities makes it clear that the duty of prescribing for out-patients rests with the doctor who at the time has clinical responsibility for the patient's treatment. When a hospital doctor is responsible he should prescribe; when the clinical responsibility is transferred to the general practitioner then the latter should prescribe.