Scotland's Public Health Act comes into force early - how will it affect you?

Published: 02 July 2009

In the wake of the recent pandemic, the Scottish Government has decided to implement new laws to protect the public from infectious diseases much earlier than planned.

In 2008, the Scottish Parliament passed a new Public Health Act for Scotland which sets out the responsibilities of NHS boards and local authorities to protect the public in the event of certain infectious diseases, contaminations or other health risks. Much of the detail of this Act was due to come into force in 2010. However, the Scottish Government has decided it would be prudent to bring forward the implementation of some of the Act to October this year. Nurses with appropriate training and experience may be asked by their Board to take on new roles and responsibilities under the laws and RCN Scotland is working with the Government to try to ensure that appropriate training is available within the new timescale.

For more information on the new law and how it could impact on you, contact the RCN Scotland policy team: