Website of the Department of Health

Health Bill - partial regulatory impact assessment

The Health Bill covers a diverse range of topics, under the banner of improving the health of the public and patients, inside and outside hospital, and improving the way the NHS is run. The Bill provides for a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, with certain exemptions. It also contains measures to sharpen the focus on health care associated infections. Other areas covered include controlled drugs, modernisation of community pharmacy and ophthalmic services, NHS counter-fraud and security management and changes in response to the review of our Arm's Length Bodies.