Commentary on Sections Patient and public involvement Section 17: Entry and Inspection of Premises
96.Section 17 gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations requiring Strategic Health Authorities, HAs, PCTs, LHBs, NHS trusts, Local Authorities, providers of family health services (e.g. GPs, pharmacists, dentists and opticians), as well as others who own or control premises where family health services are provided, to allow authorised members of Patients’ Forums to inspect premises owned or controlled by them.  The requirement to allow access may be limited to the cases and circumstances set out in regulations and subject to any limitations or conditions specified in those regulations.