§ Helen SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers exist to enable NHS hospital staff to require co-operation from patients and visitors in complying with reasonable Health and Safety requests in order to protect the safety of people on NHS hospital sites. [61408]
§ Mr. LammyHealth and Safety is a major issue for the National Health Service, and one that is taken very seriously. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1972 all employers, including NHS organisations, must ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, that people not employed by them but affected by their undertaking (such as patients and visitors) are not exposed to health and safety risks.
Whilst there is no legal requirement for people to co-operate, patients and visitors have a responsibility to behave in a manner that does not put others at risk, and to respond to staff's requests and hospital regulations for the protection of themselves and others. Where a patient or visitor is observed to be acting in an unsafe manner, measures to minimise the risk must be undertaken by the NHS trust.
Over the next few months primary care trusts will receive guidance on developing a new contract on rights and responsibilities at a local level. The contract will be negotiated through consultation with their communities, and will cover access to and appropriate use of both primary and secondary care services.