Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to introduce a right for every adult patient to have a named advocate or support person with them throughout their hospital stay.

We recognise the vital role that families, loved ones, advocates and carers play in supporting people to manage their health. There are rights in place to protect those most vulnerable. The Mental Health Act and the Care Act both outline the rights of individuals to appoint an advocate to support them during their care.

Both outpatients and day patients can invite someone to join them at their hospital appointment, such as a carer, family member or friend.

At present, the Department has not made plans to introduce a right for every adult patient to have a named advocate or support person with them throughout the duration of their inpatient stay in hospital.