Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of compliance in (1) the NHS, and (2) the independent healthcare sector, with the Paterson Inquiry recommendation that consultants write to patients in plain language outlining their condition and treatment, with a copy of that letter sent to the patient's GP.

In October 2021, the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB) updated its guidance on standard outpatient letters to make it clear that it is best practice for most outpatient letters to be written directly to the patient. The NHS Standard Contract states that outpatient letters should be consistent with PRSB’s standards. All National Health Service and independent sector providers are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and assessments include how services ensure that patients understand and are involved in decisions regarding their care. As per the Competition and Markets Authority’s Order, private healthcare providers must send letters to patients prior to consultations or further tests and treatments setting out the costs, reasons, and other relevant information regarding the procedure.

Our records indicate that the Paterson Inquiry Response Programme Board last met virtually in 2023. Membership included representatives from the following bodies; the Department; NHS England; the Care Quality Commission; the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges; the Competition and Markets Authority; the General Medical Council; the Independent Healthcare Providers Network; the Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service; the National Consultant Information Programme; NHS Digital; NHS Providers; NHS Resolution; the Professional Standards Authority; the Royal College of Surgeons; Spire; and the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. There are no current plans to publish the boards minutes.

As referenced in the answers to HL960 and HL1431, the Government accepted 13 of the 15 recommendations set out in the 2020 Paterson Inquiry Report. Of these, nine recommendations have been implemented or partially implemented, and four recommendations are in progress. While there is no timeline for full implementation, we are working with NHS England to implement the outstanding recommendations as quickly as possible.