The Secretary of State may give directions under this section if he considers that by reason of an emergency it is necessary to do so in order to ensure that a service falling to be provided under or by virtue of this Act is provided.

Directions under this section may direct that, during the period specified by the directions, a function conferred on any body or person under or by virtue of this Act is to the exclusion of or concurrently with that body or person to be performed by another body or person.

The powers conferred on the Secretary of State by this section are in addition to any other powers exercisable by him.

The references in this section to this Act do not include a reference to Chapter 5 of Part 2 (NHS foundation trusts).