§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received since 1 January about the danger to patients arising from the operation of(a) inadequately trained private ambulance operators, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and ambulance technicians and (b) inadequate or poorly maintained vehicles and equipment used by such operators; and if he will make a statement on the incidence of accidents specifying complaints received by his Department arising from such operations. [36043]
§ Mr. HoramMy hon. Friend recently forwarded to me a letter from a constituent. There has been one other representation on the subject this year. Private ambulance operators must comply with the law on the administration of medicines and the conditions and use of vehicles. Any national health service trust considering using a private ambulance operator to transport patients should take account of the code of practice issued by the NHS executive in December 1993.