Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the right of a patient to obtain a second opinion is ensured under the Out of Area Treatments scheme. [130646]
§ Mr. DenhamSince 1 April 1999 patients are always treated under service agreements. Emergencies and other situations which preclude the use of specific pre-arranged service agreements are covered by arrangements termed Out of Area Treatments (OATs).
Detailed guidance on the OAT arrangements is set out in HSC 1999–117. A copy has been placed in the Library.
78WThe Patients Charter states that patients have a right to be referred to a consultant who is acceptable to them when their general practitioner thinks it is necessary, and to be referred for a second opinion if the patient and GP agree it is desirable. The OATs arrangements do not alter this.