HC Deb 25 May 2000 vol 350 c590W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what ways he intends the provisions of the Care Standards Bill [Lords] will affect the regulation of private hospitals. [123130]

Mr. Hutton

Our plans for the regulation of private hospitals and other independent health care establishments were published in "The Way Forward" in December last year, following a wide-ranging consultation exercise. A further paper, "Developing The Way Forward", was published in March this year. This outlines how we envisage regulation of independent health care by the proposed National Care Standards Commission, to be established by the Care Standards Bill, will work in practice. These documents have been placed in the Library and are available on the Department's website at:

  • "The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate2.htm
  • "Developing The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate4.htm

The regulation of the private and voluntary health care sector in Wales, including private hospitals, will be the responsibility of the proposed new care regulatory arm of the National Assembly.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policies his Department has to protect the interests of consumers of private health care; and if he will make a statement. [123635]

Ms Stuart

Independent sector health care establishments are currently regulated under the Registered Homes Act 1984. Our proposals for the future regulation of private hospitals and other independent health care establishments were published in "The Way Forward" in December last year, following a wide-ranging consultation exercise. A further paper, "Developing The Way Forward", was published in March this year. This outlines how we envisage regulation of independent health care by the proposed National Care Standards Commission, to be established by the Care Standards Bill, will work in practice. Ensuring safeguards and quality assurance for patients will be addressed. These documents have been placed in the Library and are available on the Department of Health website at:

  • "The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate2.htm
  • "Developing The Way Forward—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate4.htm