HC Deb 07 July 2003 vol 408 cc663-4W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the terms of the offer to tender for diagnostic treatment centres to private health companies will differ from those being offered to health care trusts for similar services; and what rate of return he expects to include in such contracts. [121458]

Mr. Hutton

Independent sector diagnosis and treatment centre (DTC) contracts will be service-based contracts and not subject to rate of return regulation: bids have been invited for given volumes of clinical activity, particularly activity needed by national health service commissioners to meet 2005 waiting times targets. In the medium-term, as set out in Delivering the NHS Plan, the intention is that independent sector DTCs will operate under a single system of regulation, inspection and healthcare resource group tariffs, across public and private sectors.

Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information must be made available to patients about(a) the expertise and training of staff in independent clinics or hospitals and (b) the level of available emergency care in that facility. [123037]

Dr. Ladyman

Regulation 6 of the Private and Voluntary Health Care Regulations made under the Care Standards Act 2000 requires the registered person of each independent health care establishment or agency to compile a written statement of purpose, to be available for inspection by every patient and person acting on behalf of a patient. Schedule 1 to the Regulations lists the information that must be contained in the statement of purpose, which includesthe number, relevant qualifications and experience of the registered provider, manager and staff (including medical practitioners) working there; and the kinds of treatment and services provided, the needs they are intended to meet, and the facilities available for patients.

Regulation 7 requires the registered person to produce a written patients' guide. This must include, among other detailed information: a summary of the statement of purpose; either a copy of the most recent National Care Standards Commission's inspection report on the organisation, or information on how to obtain it; and the terms, conditions, and details of charges payable for all aspects of the treatment and services described in the statement of purpose.

There are many further references to patient consultation and information in the national minimum standards, in particular relating to patients' rights, privacy and dignity, involving patients in decisions about their treatment, and obtaining properly informed consent.

The Private and Voluntary Health Care Regulations and National Minimum Standards are published as a priced document in one volume, Independent Health Care, National Minimum Standards, Regulations by The Stationery Office. Copies have been placed in the Library.