Explanatory Notes

Health Act 2009

2009 CHAPTER 21

12 November 2009

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 – Quality and Delivery of NHS Services

Chapter 1 - NHS Constitution
Section 5:  Availability, review and revision of Handbook

96.Section 5 provides that the Secretary of State must ensure that the Handbook continues to be available to patients, staff and members of the public (see discussion in paragraph 89 above).

97.The Secretary of State is able to revise the Handbook at any time, but is obliged to review it at least once every three years, with the first review completed by 5 July 2012. After any change to the Handbook, the Secretary of State is obliged to republish it. The Government intends this document to be updated periodically, as Department policy or law evolves.