The act consolidated previous legislation governing the posts of Health Service Commissioner for England, Scotland and Wales.

The three posts were formerly held by a single individual who also served as Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

However, in 2002, the post of Health Service Commissioner for Scotland was abolished and in 2003, the post of Health Service Commissioner for Wales was transferred to a separate office holder in accordance with devolution.

The Health Service Commissioner for England still retains the post of Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and is more commonly called the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

If it appears to the ombudsman that the person aggrieved has sustained injustice or hardship in consequence of the action of the body complained about, and the injustice or hardship has not or will not be remedied, he may lay a copy of the report before Parliament under s14(3).