Department of Health

a department of central government that supports the Secretary of State for Health in meeting his or her obligations, which include the National Health Service, the promotion and protection of the health of the nation, and social care, including the overseeing of personal social services provided by local authorities. The department is staffed by civil servants, including medical and nursing personnel and those from other health professions. The NHS Executive, which is an integral part of the Department, was formally established in 1989 and is responsible for advising government ministers and for formulating and ensuring implementation of policy on health care. It is made up of a headquarters and eight regional offices. Although mainly concerned with the NHS, the DH also oversees private and voluntary provision of health services. Equivalent departments support the ministers responsible for health services in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.