Commentary on Sections Section 17: Patient Advice and Support Service: establishment and funding
52.Section 17 amends the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 by inserting a new section 10ZA. The functions of the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service are extended to its new functions under section 10ZA. This, read with section 10(7) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, means that there is a specific provision which states that in carrying out its functions the Agency shall act subject to, and in accordance with, such directions as may by given by the Scottish Ministers.
53.Section 10ZA requires the Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service to secure the provision of a Patient Advice and Support Service in relation to each Health Board, and any other body that Scottish Ministers specify in an order. In order to do this, the Agency will procure the service from a provider or providers. The service may be supplied by more than one provider, but not by a Health Board, a Special Health Board, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, or the Agency itself.