§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances an NHS authority or trust can exclude members of the public from its meetings; what procedure has to be followed to provide for such exclusion and for publicising decisions affecting the public made at closed meetings; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe national health service should be as open as possible to patients and others who rely upon its services. The meetings of NHS authorities are governed by the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.300W The meetings of NHS trusts are governed by the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. All decisions on the level and and manner of providing health services should be made public, and decisions about significant changes are subject to formal consultation procedures.