PART IVAdditional Requirements applying to Independent Hospitals

Chapter 2Independent Hospitals in which Certain Listed Services are Provided

Termination of pregnancies44

1

This regulation applies to an independent hospital in which termination of pregnancies takes place.

2

The registered person must ensure that no patient is admitted to the hospital for termination of a pregnancy, and that no fee is demanded or accepted from a patient in respect of a termination, unless two certificates of opinion have been received in respect of the patient.

3

The registered person must ensure that the certificates of opinion required by paragraph (2) are included with the patient’s medical record, within the meaning of regulation 23.

4

The registered person must ensure that no termination of a pregnancy is undertaken after the 20th week of gestation, unless—

a

the patient is treated by persons who are suitably qualified, skilled and experienced in the late termination of pregnancy; and

b

appropriate procedures are in place to deal with any medical emergency which occurs during or as a result of the termination.

5

The registered person must ensure that no termination of a pregnancy is undertaken after the 24th week of gestation.

6

The registered person must ensure that a register of patients undergoing termination of a pregnancy in the hospital is maintained, which is—

i

separate from the register of patients which is to be maintained under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3;

ii

completed in respect of each patient at the time the termination is undertaken; and

iii

retained for a period of not less than three years beginning on the date of the last entry.

7

The registered person must prepare and implement appropriate procedures in the hospital to ensure that foetal tissue is treated with respect.

8

In this regulation, “certificate of opinion” (“tystysgrif barn”) means a certificate required by regulations made under section 2(1) of the Abortion Act 196721.