Health Service Commissioners Act 1993

11 Procedure in respect of investigations. U.K.

(1) Where a Commissioner proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under [F1 section 3(1)], he shall afford—

(a) to the health service body concerned, and

(b) to any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of,

an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.

[F2 (1A) Where a Commissioner proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A), he shall afford—

(a) to the family health service provider, and

(b) to any person by reference to whose action the complaint is made (if different from the family health service provider),

an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.

(1B) Where a Commissioner proposes to conduct an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1C), he shall afford—

(a) to the independent provider concerned, and

(b) to any other person who is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action complained of,

an opportunity to comment on any allegations contained in the complaint.]

(2) An investigation shall be conducted in private.

(3) In other respects, the procedure for conducting an investigation shall be such as the Commissioner considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case, and in particular—

(a) he may obtain information from such persons and in such manner, and make such inquiries, as he thinks fit, and

(b) he may determine whether any person may be represented, by counsel or solicitor or otherwise, in the investigation.

(4) A Commissioner may, if he thinks fit, pay to the person by whom the complaint was made and to any other person who attends or supplies information for the purposes of an investigation—

(a) sums in respect of expenses properly incurred by them, and

(b) allowances by way of compensation for the loss of their time.

Payments [F3 made by the Health Service Commissioner for England or the Health Service Commissioner for Scotland] under this subsection shall be in accordance with such scales and subject to such conditions as may be determined by the Treasury [F4 ; and payments made by the Health Service Commissioner for Wales under this subsection shall be in accordance with such scales and subject to such conditions as may be determined by him.]

(5) The conduct of an investigation [F5 pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1)]shall not affect any action taken by the health service body concerned, or any power or duty of that body to take further action with respect to any matters subject to the investigation.

[F6 (5A) The conduct of an investigation pursuant to a complaint under section 3(1A) or (1C) shall not affect any action taken by the family health service provider or independent provider concerned, or any power or duty of that provider to take further action with respect to any matters subject to the investigation.]

(6) Where the person aggrieved has been removed from the United Kingdom under any order in force under the M1 Immigration Act 1971 he shall, if the Commissioner so directs, be permitted to re-enter and remain in the United Kingdom, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may direct, for the purposes of the investigation.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 11(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(2); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)

F2 S. 11(1A)(1B) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(3); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)

F3 Words in s. 11(4) inserted (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 9(a) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/1290, art. 4

F4 Words in s. 11(4) inserted (1.7.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 112, Sch. 10 para. 9(b) (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/1290, art. 4

F5 Words in s. 11(5) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(4); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)

F6 S. 11(5A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1996 c. 5, s. 3, Sch. 1 para. 3(5); S.I. 1996/970, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 11(1)(a)(5) modified (1.4.1996) by 1996/709, art. 9(3)(a)(i)(ii)

Marginal Citations

M1 1971 c. 77.