This Order brings into force certain provisions of the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997 (“the Act”).

Provisions which are brought into force on 1st April 1998 relate to the provision of personal dental services under a pilot scheme, approval and making of pilot schemes, reviews of pilot schemes, and variation and termination of pilot schemes. Provisions relating to the experience required of doctors performing personal medical services, the circumstances in which doctors must leave medical lists in order to perform personal medical services, and liabilities and obligations in relation to deputies are also brought into force. Further provisions which are brought into force concern the right to choose a doctor, provision of pharmaceutical services by doctors, sale of medical practices, and employment of pre-registration house officers in medical practices. New provision relating to the expenditure of Health Boards is also brought into force.

Section 16 of the Act (which relates to NHS contracts) is brought into force (in so far as it is not already in force) on 11th May 1998.

Provisions which are brought into force in the Schedules to the Act relate to preferential treatment for doctors who transfer from a pilot scheme to a medical list, make minor and consequential amendments to existing legislation, and repeal or revoke certain provisions.

The Order makes transitional provision until such time as sections 32 and 33 of the Act (which relate to medical lists and vacancies for general practitioners) are brought into force. It also includes a saving provision in respect of amendments to section 97A of the National Health Service Act 1977 (which relates to the financial duties of Health Authorities).