New plans to devolve more powers to doctors and hospitals were unveiled as the first Queen's speech of the new session was delivered.

The NHS Reform Act gives doctors, nurses and "health professionals" control of 75 per cent of all health service spending through the creation of primary care trusts.

The number of health authorities is cut by two-thirds, and the remaining functions will be transferred to NHS regional offices. The Act sounds the death knell for community health councils, replaced by democratically elected bodies, acting through the overview and scrutiny process.

NHS employees have also been given more flexible working conditions in a bid to retain and recruit new staff.

As a result of the scandals in Bristol and Hyde, there is reform of the way in which the professional regulatory bodies work.

House of Commons

First reading: November 8 2001 (HC Bill 47)

Second reading: November 20 2001

Standing Committee A

• 1st sitting: November 27 2001 (am)
• 2nd sitting: November 27 2001 (pm)
• 3rd sitting: November 29 2001 (am)
• 4th sitting: November 29 2001 (pm)
• 5th sitting: December 4 2001 (am)
• 6th sitting: December 4 2001 (pm)
• 7th sitting: December 6 2001 (am)
• 8th sitting: December 6 2001 (pm)
• 9th sitting: December 11 2001 (am)
• 10th sitting: December 11 2001 (pm)
• 11th sitting: December 13 2001 (am)
• 12th sitting: December 13 2001 (pm)
• The bill as amended in committee: HC Bill 71

Third reading: January 15 2002

House of Lords

First reading: January 16 2002 (HL Bill 44)

Second reading: January 31 2002

Committee

• 1st day: March 14 2002
• 2nd day: March 18 2002
• 3rd day: March 21 2002
• 4th day: April 11 2002
• The bill as amended in committee - HL Bill 70

Report stage

• 1st day: April 29 2002
• 2nd day: April 30 2002
• The bill as amended on report: HL Bill 78

Third reading: May 17 2002

House of Commons

Consideration of Lords amendments: May 22 2002

House of Lords

Consideration of Commons Reasons: June 13 2002

Royal Assent: June 25 2002