§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Independent Advocacy Services will be(a) commissioned, (b) funded and (c) provided. [155953]
§ Ms StuartSubject to legislation in the Health and Social Care Bill, Independent Advocacy Services will be commissioned to assist patients who are making complaints about National Health Service organisations. Patients will be able to access the service directly or may be referred to it by Patient Advocacy Liaison Service or NHS Direct.
The Bill requires that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State consult the Patients' Council and other relevant bodies on the best approach for a locality before commissioning and funding a service.