Civil Contingencies Act

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 ('the Act'), which came into force in April 2005, provides a basic framework defining what tasks should be performed and how cooperation should be conducted in the event of a civil emergency. The Act applies to the whole of the UK and there are regional variations for each country and for London.

Organisations with primary responsibility for planning and implementing emergency measures are classed as Category 1 organisations, which are defined as:

• local authorities
• emergency services
• health authorities and services (including Primary Care Organisations [PCOs])
• some government departments and agencies

Dental practices are not classified within Category 1, but they may be included in emergency plans set out by their local PCO or health authority.

UK Resilience detailed guidance

Practice Action:

There is no requirement for dental practices to take any specific action with respect to the Act, other than to responding to information requests from their local PCO or health authority.