§ Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Helth what measures his Department is taking to ensure that questions regarding medical treatment, whenever the patient requests such information, are answered in a prompt, accurate and comprehensive form.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Department issued guidelines in August 1991 which required that before a patient receives treatment he is entitled to as much information as is necessary in order to decide whether to consent to that treatment. After treatment has commenced, a patient has the right under the Access to Health Records Act 1990 to see his record and to receive an explanation of the information recorded. The Department's advice on the Act encourages the informal voluntary disclosure of information.
§ Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will bring forward legislation to provide better information for patients about medical treatment.
§ Mr. DorrellSuch legislation is unnecessary since patients have the right under common law to give or withhold consent prior to examination or treatment. To exercise this right patients are entitled to be given a clear explanation of any treatment proposed, including any risks and any alternatives.