Consultation
8.A twelve week consultation on the provisions included in the Act ended on 28 October 2005. The consultation document entitled “Further Measures to improve the provision of Primary Care Services” can be accessed on the Department’s web site:
	HTTP://WWW.DHSSPSNI.GOV.UK/ECONSULTATION
In general, respondents were supportive of most of the proposals and comments received were taken into account when preparing the provisions in the Act.
9.In response to concerns about the case of Dr Harold Shipman a number of measures were taken forward in England, Wales and Scotland to enhance patient safety. Major changes were also introduced to the way dental services are organised in England and Wales. The main provisions in this Act introduce similar measures in Northern Ireland. Doing nothing or making alternative arrangements was not an option.