The original structure of the NHS proves too unwieldy and cumbersome, given the growth in services, treatment and demand.
Provisions in the Act are finally introduced in 1974. The new health boards take over many of the health responsibilities of local authorities and the post of Medical Officer of Health is abolished.
In comes the Common Services Agency (now NHS National Services Scotland) to take on key central functions and new Local Health Councils to represent patients.
It heralds the start of a new culture in the health service where managers take more key decisions and the involvement of the public is reduced.
Some 1500 members of the public served on committees in the old system. This is cut to 274 on the new health boards and their responsibility is in policy and planning decisions rather than day-to-day NHS business.