The government outlined its priorities for the NHS between 2004–08, and confirmed there would be continued investment to increase capacity across the system.
The Act provided for the establishment of NHS foundation trusts – which had greater financial and management freedoms – and a new independent regulator.
The Act required local authorities to pay health care providers if they were responsible for the delayed discharge of an NHS patient from that provider.
The 'In Control' pilots allowed service users, particularly adults with learning difficulties, to be involved in their care planning using individual budgets.
