National Health Service Act of 2006
The National Health Service Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) was noteworthy for consolidating the organisational structure of the National Health Service. The reorganisation under the 2006 Act was subsequently again altered by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 which significantly restructured the National Health Service in England.
The 2006 Act also introduced several changes designed to protect public health and improve safety within the workplace. In addition to putting in place measures related to the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections, the 2006 Act required that enclosed public places and shared workplaces are smoke-free unless exempted by regulations.
Smoke-free regulations first introduced in the 2006 Act were followed by separate smoke-free legislative initiatives in Scotland, England and Wales. These measures essentially banned smoking in nearly all indoor environments (including workplaces and public spaces) across the UK.
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