§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure that patients entering(a) NHS and (b) private hospitals have all necessary facilities to safeguard them following major surgical procedures; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleA private hospital is required by law to register with the district health authority, which must satisfy itself that the statutory requirements, and any local conditions of registration, are being met at all times, including adequate medical, surgical and nursing equipment and adequate treatment facilties. It is for national health service providers to assess the level of service need to support surgical procedures, and to provide the staff and facilities to meet those needs. It is for NHS purchasers to satisfy themselves about the quality of the service provided to patients. We have no plans to alter the present arrangements.