 | This article has an unclear citation style. (May 2024) |
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to make further provision as respects the health service in Scotland, and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1972 c. 58 |
| Introduced by | Baroness Tweedsmuir of Belhelvie |
| Territorial extent | Scotland (except amendments to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1957) |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 9 August 1972 |
Status: Amended | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
| Text of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The act imposed duties on the Secretary of State for Scotland relating to the provision of health services and education,[1] and established 15 Health Boards and local health committees[2] as part of a reorganisation that dissolved multiple previous bodies including the Regional Hospital Boards, Boards of Management and Executive Councils.[3] The Health Boards covered groups of local government districts and island councils that existed between 1975 and 1996. They formed the upper tier of the Scottish health care system.[4] Responsibility for community health services was also transferred from local authorities.
The act established the post of Health Service Commissioner for Scotland,[5] a role held alongside that of the equivalent posts for England and Wales – which were established by the National Health Service Reorganisation Act the following year – by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.
The act also established the Scottish Health Service Planning Council,[6] and a Common Services Agency for the Scottish Health Service.[7]
A similar system was established in England and Wales under the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 which also amended the 1972 Act.