This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Free eye and dental checks on horizon
01/07/2005
A range of measures which will improve health and access
to healthcare across the country was passed by the Scottish
Parliament yesterday.
The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Bill lays
the foundations for the provision of free eye and dental
checks for all, a wider range of pharmacy services and
better access to dental services with greater powers for
NHS Boards to provide the services local communities
need.
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"By 2007 everyone in Scotland will be able to get their
eyes and teeth checked for free, while the over 60s will
receive free dental checks a year sooner than that.
"NHS Boards will now be able to provide pharmacy and
dental services based on what patients need and pharmacists
will have a greater role in providing new services.
"We are also giving NHS Boards the power to form joint
venture companies with public and private sector partners
to improve and create new community facilities, to support
the provision of a wide range of primary and community care
services.
"That means better quality services for patients. It
means services able to deliver the care patients need, when
and where they need it.
"All in all, this Bill will bring wide and varied
benefits to both staff and patients in Scotland and I am
delighted that the Scottish Parliament has voted that it
become law."
The bill will also introduce smoke free public places
from March 26, 2006.
The provisions in the Bill include: Dental Services,
including free eye and dental checks and simplifying the
charging process for NHS dental services; measures to
strengthen patient protection by listing of additional
health professionals; changes to pharmacy services;
strengthening of the NHS Tribunal; measures to continue
ex-gratia payments to certain persons infected with
Hepatitis C; Amendments to the Regulation of Care Act;
Child Care Agencies and Housing Support Services;
Authorisation and Medical Treatment, Joint Ventures and
Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust.