(1)The Secretary of State must by regulations require each Strategic Health Authority to make arrangements which secure that health service users are, directly or through representatives, involved (whether by being consulted or provided with information, or in other ways) in prescribed matters.
(2) In this section “ health service users ” means persons to whom health services are being or may be provided in the area of the Strategic Health Authority.
(3)A Strategic Health Authority must have regard to any guidance given by the Secretary of State as to the discharge of the authority's duty under regulations under this section.
(4)The guidance mentioned in subsection (3) includes (in particular)—
(a)guidance given by the Secretary of State as to when, or how often, involvement under arrangements under the regulations is to be carried out;
(b)guidance given by the Secretary of State as to the form to be taken by such involvement in any case specified by the guidance.
(5)Any duty of a Strategic Health Authority under regulations under this section is in addition to the authority's duty under section 242(1B).]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 242A, 242B inserted (26.9.2008 for specified purposes, 3.11.2008 for the purpose of the insertion of s. 242B in so far as not already in force, 22.2.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 233(5), 245(5); S.I. 2008/2434, art. 2(1)(2)(b); S.I. 2010/112, art. 3