§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what rights an NHS patient has to know the professional qualifications of an NHS employee responsible for his care; how a patient can exercise such rights; and if he will make a statement. [125569]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 15 July 2003]: Patients need to be able to be confident that every person treating them is qualified to do so. This is a requirement of the regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council, with whom clinicians have to be registered. If a patient wants specific details, the Code of Practice on Openness in the National Health Service makes it possible for them to receive details of a hospital clinician's qualifications, whilst general practitioners must publish their qualifications in their practice leaflet.