§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that the service volumes and quality standards defined by contracts with health care providers and the standards and rights defined by the patients charter are binding on the providers and commissioners of health services; and if he will make a statement. [33675]
§ Mr. MaloneHealth authorities and fundholding general practitioners are required to deliver patients charter standards and guarantees through their contracts with providers. National health service contracts should provide for arbitration in cases of non-compliance and this applies equally to service levels and quality standards agreed locally. The NHS and Community Care Act 1990 provides a formal mechanism for disputed cases to be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.