'Administrative structure of the medical and related services in England and Wales' and 'Future structure of the National Health Service in England' proposed the creation of area authorities.
The NHS Hospital Advisory Service (later the NHS Health Advisory Service) was established as an independent body reporting to the Secretary of State for Social Services about hospitals in England.
A group chaired by Sir Phillip Rogers produced the Management arrangements for the reorganised National Health Service report (the Grey Book), which ushered in 'consensus management'.
A change of government and a change of secretary of state led to the white paper. This outlined significant structural and administrative reform of the health system.
The Briggs report recommended there should be one national, statutory body for nurses, midwives and health visitors which should be responsible for setting standards and education and training.
The Act gave effect to the structural and administrative reform of the health system outlined in the 1972 white paper on National Health Service reorganisation.
