The Regional Board

I19Local Commissioning Groups

1

The Regional Board shall in accordance with paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 appoint a prescribed number of committees to be called “Local Commissioning Groups”.

2

Each Local Commissioning Group shall exercise its functions as regards such area of Northern Ireland as may be prescribed.

3

Each Local Commissioning Group shall exercise—

a

such functions with respect to the commissioning of health and social care as may be prescribed; and

b

such other functions as the Regional Board may, with the agreement of the Department, determine.

4

Each Local Commissioning Group must—

a

exercise its functions in accordance with any scheme for the time being having effect under Article 18 of the Order of 1972; and

b

in connection with the exercise of its functions—

i

work in collaboration with the Regional Agency and have due regard to any advice or information provided by it; and

ii

undertake such consultation as the Department may direct.

5

Each Local Commissioning Group must exercise its functions with the aim of—

a

improving the health and social well-being of people in the area as regards which the Local Commissioning Group exercises its functions;

b

planning and commissioning health and social care to meet the needs of people in that area;

c

securing the delivery to people in that area of health and social care that is efficient, co-ordinated and cost-effective;

d

improving the availability and quality of health and social care in that area.

6

Regulations may—

a

make provision for the membership of Local Commissioning Groups;

b

modify the application of paragraphs 7 to 11 of Schedule 1 in relation to those Groups;

c

make such further provision in relation to those Groups as the Department considers appropriate.

7

Before making regulations under subsection (6), the Department must consult the Regional Board.