Patient representation and public involvement
19Public involvement and consultation
1
Each body to which this section applies must take such steps as it considers appropriate—
a
to promulgate information about the health and social care for which it is responsible;
b
to obtain information about—
i
the needs of persons to whom that care is being or may be provided; and
ii
the efficacy of that care;
c
to encourage and assist persons to whom that care is being or may be provided—
i
to avail of that care in an appropriate manner, having regard to the need to use resources in the most economic, efficient and effective way; and
ii
to maintain and improve their own health and social well-being.
2
In particular, each body to which this section applies must, before the end of the period of 9 months beginning with the day appointed for the coming into operation of this section, or, if later, the establishment of the body concerned—
a
prepare a consultation scheme in accordance with section 20; and
b
in the case of a health and social care body, submit the scheme to the Department.
3
The Department may direct any health and social care body to which this section applies to submit a revised scheme to it.
4
The Department may, after consulting the Patient and Client Council, approve a consultation scheme submitted to it under this section with or without amendments.