§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what measures are in place to improve the capacity of(a) doctors and (b) nurses to communicate with and understand patients in hospitals in the Principality; [9492]
(2) what recent assessment he has made of the capacity of (a) doctors and (b) nurses to communicate with and understand patients, and vice versa, in hospitals in the Principality; [9490]
(3) if he will ask the Welsh Executive to undertake a customer satisfaction survey on the capacity of (a) doctors and (b) nurses to communicate with and understand patients, and vice versa, in hospitals in the Principality. [9491]
§ Mr. TouhigThe health service in Wales is the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.
On 2 February 2001 the Assembly published "Improving Health in Wales", which sets a programme of action for the next 10 years. It includes a commitment that training will be made available to staff in effective communication with patients and handling their concerns positively.
The Assembly is also committed to ensuring that there is continuous feedback from the public about the services they receive from the national health service in Wales.