§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the recommendations issued by his Department in respect of homeless people being placed on a general practitioner's list; up to how many refusals a homeless person may receive before he is placed on a general practitioner's list; and if he will make a statement. [40969]
§ Mr. MaloneA permanent address is not necessary for the registration of a patient with a general practitioner and all health authorities and general practitioners are aware of this. The Department encourages the permanent registration of homeless people wherever possible. Should, however, any patient have difficulty in registering with a doctor, health authorities have the power to assign the patient to a GP.