§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he will take to ensure that Mrs. Griffin's children can be treated for chemical poisoning at the Breakspeare hospital; and if he will make a statement. [17381]
1087W
§ Mr. RichardsThis is not a matter in which it is appropriate for me to become involved. Hospital referrals are a matter for the clinical judgment of the general practitioner, and are arranged in conjunction with the relevant health authority.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is his policy concerning the wish of patients to join or remain on the list of a general practitioner; and if he will make a statement; [17383]
(2) if he will consult the Clwyd family health services authority to ensure that Mrs. Griffin of Bockley might be enabled to remain on the list of a general practitioner of her choice; if he will meet Mrs. Griffin; and if he will make a statement. [17382]
§ Mr. RichardsThe family health services authority is responsible for managing general medical services in its area, and no useful purpose would be served by the meeting proposed.
Patients have the right to join the list of any GP willing to accept them. Doctors, as independent contractors, have the right to remove patients from their practice list without being required to offer an explanation. Patients also have the right to withdraw from a doctor's list without giving reasons. This is because it is considered essential to the practice of good medicine that a doctor and patient have mutual trust and confidence in each other.
Patients who are unable to find a doctor willing to accept them on their list can be allocated to a GP by the family health services authority.