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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air quality in the built environment.
- Design of isolation rooms for infection control.
- Legionnaires' disease.
- Permitted development: The end of the high street or a blessing in disguise?
- Smoking shelters.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”