§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has put in place to ensure adequate after care for patients treated abroad; and what measures will be taken to ensure that a patient's GP can discuss a patient's case with a foreign hospital team where there is a language barrier. [12773]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 6 November 2001]: Local commissioners will need to ensure that any contracts with foreign providers clearly specify the roles and responsibilities of each party, including pre-operative and post-operative care. It will be essential that there are clear 284W and agreed protocols for transferring information between clinicians abroad and the United Kingdom, including general practitioners, and opportunities for UK clinicians to raise any concerns. All relevant medical records will need to be translated into English.
These and other points will be covered in guidance for the national health service on purchasing treatment for NHS patients overseas, which the Department will publish by the end of the year.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what basis were(a) Portsmouth, (b) East Kent and (c) West Kent and East Surrey Health Authorities selected to test the treatment of NHS patients overseas. [12710]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 6 November 2001]: The three test-bed sites were selected on the basis that all three have significant waiting time problems and are also located close to airports, ferry ports and train stations with connections to the continent.