§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what use is made of complaints referred to his Department concerning the conduct and or practice of doctors within national health service hospitals; [28971]
(2) if he monitors complaints made against medical practitioners who work in the national health service; [28970]
(3) what advice his Department gives to health authorities in how they deal with complaints made against medical practitioners. [28972]
§ Mr. RichardsGuidance on the handling of complaints is issued to health authorities and trusts and is revised in the light of experience. The most recent advice from the Department is WHC(93)75. It is the responsibility of health authorities and trusts to investigate complaints and take action on matters involving the conduct or practice of doctors employed by them.
The Department monitors the number of complaints received by health authorities and trusts and publishes the information.