§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make a statement as to how the patients charter is working in(a) hospitals in the west midlands and (b) the health service in the west midlands;
(2) what benefit to patients the patients charter has given in the west midlands.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe patients charter has brought benefits to national health service patients in all areas, including the west midlands, by informing patients of their rights and the standards of service they can expect to receive. It is an important step forward in ensuring the delivery of quality services to patients.