asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, planned for the strengthening of patients' rights in hospitals.
Written Answers. - Patients' Rights in Hospitals.
45.
My predecessor explained in his reply to the Deputy's question on 3 April 1979, (Official Report, Volume 313, columns 896 and 897) that the question of establishing a charter of rights for hospital patients is a complex issue and requires very detailed consideration; and that the Council of Europe had not completed their consideration of the matter. I understand that this is still the position.
My predecessor also referred in that reply to a group which he had established to consider the more limited question of patients being better informed regarding arrangements in hospitals. This group submitted its report some time ago and arising out of its recommendations two booklets have been prepared by my Department and copies have been issued to health boards and other hospital authorities.
One booklet is intended as a model for use by hospital authorities in preparing a guide to help hospital patients and visitors and provide useful information regarding the services and facilities available in the hospital. The second booklet is a guide for hospital managements and suggests ways in which procedures and services within hospitals may be improved so far as the patients are concerned.