Commentary on Sections Section 17: Functions of the Patient and Client Council
Sets out the functions and certain requirements placed on the Patient and Client Council.    These functions include:  representing the interests of the public, promoting the involvement of the public, providing assistance to individuals making or intending to make a complaint relating to health and social care and promoting the provision by the Department and health and social care bodies of advice and information to the public about the design, commissioning and delivery of health and social care.   The section also provides that the Patient and Client Council shall carry out research into the best methods for consulting with the public about involving them in health and social care and to provide advice about these methods to certain health and social care bodies.