The Health Act 1999 (Commencement No.1) (Wales) Order 1999

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into force certain provisions of the Health Act 1999 in relation to Wales.

The Order provides for the commencement of provisions which–

a. extend the National Assembly’s direction-making powers in relation to NHS Trusts (section 12);

b. simplify the powers to make NHS Trust establishment orders and clarify powers for NHS Trusts to provide new hospitals and facilities not previously managed by a Health Authority (section 13);

c. make amendments to the NHS Trust financial regime relating to income generation, capital and borrowing (sections 14 – 16);

d. introduce a new duty of quality so that Health Authorities and NHS Trusts put in place arrangements to monitor and improve the quality of health care for patients (section 18);

e. create a duty on Health Authorities to prepare plans for improving health and the provision of health care (section 28);

f. make detailed amendments to National Health Service legislation in consequence of the above and in relation to Health Authorities and the exercise of their functions (Schedule 4).