§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will ensure that community health councils are given the right formally to inspect those services provided on general practitioner premises which were formerly provided by NHS trusts or health authorities; and if he will make a statement; [36190]
(2) if he will confer upon community health councils the statutory duty to assist complainants through NHS complaints procedures; if he will make it a right of all patients to receive support, advice and advocacy from their local community health council with any complaint that they have about the NHS and its services; if he will ensure that all community health councils are adequately resourced and staffed specifically to undertake this statutory duty and if he will make a statement. [36158]
§ Mr. MaloneWe have no plans to change the statutory rights or duties of community health councils.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if community health council members, and co-opted members are covered by NHS insurance while on CHC business; and if he will make a statement. [36118]
§ Mr. HoramCommunity health council members and co-opted members are not covered by national health service insurance. The NHS executive would consider any cost or damages arising from claims against CHCs on a case-by-case basis.