Health Bill: Prepared by the Department of Health(October 27th 2005) | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Health Bill: Prepared by the Department of Health(October 27th 2005)

Other
Abstract: 
This Health Bill focuses on; smoke-free premises, places and vehicles; prevention and control of health care associated infections; Drugs, Medicines and Pharmacies; the national Health Service; Appointments Commission; and other miscellaneous provisions
Authors: 
Parliamentary Bill/DH
Category: 
Management
Prevention
Public information

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Summary:
The Health Bill covers a wide range of topics pertinent to improving public health, and the health of patients in healthcare settings and the way the NHS is run. The Bill provides for: -· Part 1: Smoke-Free Premises, Places and Vehicles. A ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, with certain exemptions · Part 2: Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infection - Measures to sharpen the focus on healthcare associated infections (accompanying Code of Practice)· Part 3: Drugs Medicines and Pharmacies o Chapter 1: Supervision of management and use of controlled drugso Chapter 2: Medicines And Pharmacies - Modernisation of community pharmacy and ophthalmic services· Part 4: The National Health Service o Chapter 1: Pharmaceutical Services o Chapter 2: Opthalmic Serviceso Chapter 3: Protection of NHS from fraud and other unlawful activities - Counter fraud and security managemento Chapter 4: Audit · Part 5: Appointments Commission - Changes in response to the review of the Arms Length Bodies · Part 6 Miscellaneous – social care bursary, NHS cost recovery, Transfer of criminal liability· Part 7: Final ProvisionsThere is a strong lobby at present on Part 1 of the Bill – Smoke free Premises, Places and Vehicles and the Code of Practice on Healthcare associated Infection has been widely circulated for consultation and is still being reviewed.Explanatory notes describe in more detail the various elements of each Part of the Bill
Questions Addressed:
The Health Bill covers a wide range of topics significant to improving public health, and the health of patients in healthcare settings and the way the NHS is run.
Type of Study:
Government Bill
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:

Bills refer to legislation that is still going through the parliamentary process; Acts are Acts of Parliament which have been given Royal Assent. See also, Explanatory Notes to the Health Bill http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/069/en/06069x-...

Results Reliability:
There is at present a great deal of debate and lobbying from interested organisations and the public on the contents of this Bill. It is likely that strong lobbying may have some impact on the final Act of Parliament
Problems or Biases:

There is at present a great deal of debate and lobbying from interested organisations and the public on the contents of this Bill. It is likely that strong lobbying may have some impact on the final Act of Parliament

Relevant Studies:

1. Department of Health. Explanatory Notes to the Health Bill http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/069/en/06069x-...

Keywords:
Health Bill public health smoking healthcare associated infection controlled drugs community pharmacy and ophthalmic services
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association