The second edition of this well establised textbook provides a readable, comprehensive and accessible account of the law governing health care in England and Wales. In contrast to other texts, it examines the full range of health care but not merely its medical context. The narrative is clear and succinct with full references to legal sources to meet the needs of law students and practitioners. However, excessive use of legal jargon is avoided ensuring that the law is also accessible to health care professionals. The text sets out the law on public health, the NHS, the health professions, clinical negligence litigation, patients' rights, and research and health care ethics.

Major developments since 1997 have led to substantial revisions throughout the book, which now takes account of such organisations as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the Commission for Health Improvement. Professor Montgomery addresses the legal and regulatory responses to a series of 'scandals' (Bristol babies, Alder Hey etc); the development of medical techniques and regulatory bodies; the impact of the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act; the Blair administration and NHS reforms.