Background and Policy Objectives
3.The rationale behind the reform of the health and social care system is to put in place structures which are patient-led, patient-centred and responsive to the needs of patients, clients and carers as well as being more effective and efficient (releasing resources for investment in front line health and social care).
4.The purpose of the Act will be to provide the legislative framework within which the proposed new health and social care structures can operate.  It seeks to set out, as transparently as possible, the high level functions of the various health and social care bodies.  The Act seeks, either within the body of the Act or by securing sufficient powers to make subordinate legislation, to establish the parameters within which each health and social care body will be permitted to operate and to establish the necessary governance and accountability arrangements which will support the effective delivery of health and social care in Northern Ireland.