Guidance

The health and care system explained

The health and care system helps people lead healthier lives, recover well from illness and live better for longer.

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This guidance is out of date following the implementation of the Health and Care Act 2022, and the replacement of Public Health England by the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

The new health and care system become fully operational from 1 April 2013 to deliver the ambitions set out in the Health and Social Care Act. NHS England, Public Health England, the NHS Trust Development Authority and Health Education England will take on their full range of responsibilities.

From 1 April 2013 locally, clinical commissioning groups – made up of doctors, nurses and other professionals – will buy services for patients, while local councils formally take on their new roles in promoting public health. Health and wellbeing boards will bring together local organisations to work in partnership and Healthwatch will provide a powerful voice for patients and local communities.

Updates to this page

Published 26 March 2013

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