A FIRST-EVER CONSTITUTION FOR THE NHS

The NHS Constitution launched today brings together in one place what staff, patients and public can expect from the NHS.  This is the first time this has been done in the 60 year history of the NHS, and will safeguard the future of the NHS for generations to come.

David Kidney says it will form the basis of a new relationship between staff and patients:

“The new and first-ever Constitution makes clear that the NHS is based on partnership, respect and shared commitment where everyone knows what they can expect from the NHS and what is expected from them. It reaffirms rights to NHS services, free of charge and with equal access for all. The Constitution distinguishes between ‘rights’ - legal rights, enforceable in law; and ‘pledges’, which go above and beyond legal rights. This means that pledges are not legally binding but represent a commitment by the NHS to provide high quality services.

“The number one concern of patients and the public in surveys is the perceived ‘postcode lottery’ in access to drugs.  The Constitution makes clear that everyone has a right to drugs and treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in the NHS if clinically appropriate.  For the first time, the NHS confirms that patients have the right to make choices about their healthcare, and to information to support these choices. 

“I do want to stress that the new Constitution is not all one-way traffic in setting out rights for patients. It also sets out some clear expectations about patients’ responsibilities.  These include looking after your own health and keeping appointments. 

“The commitment, loyalty and hard work of staff commissioning and delivering NHS services makes a real and positive difference to patients’ experience and the quality of care.  The inclusion of staff rights and pledges, responsibilities and expectations in the Constitution reflects their importance.

“I hope everyone in Stafford constituency will accept the new NHS Constitution for what it is: a genuine attempt to bring about complete clarity about our rights and responsibilities when we are vulnerable through sickness, injury or ill-health. We are all equally entitled to care and treatment from our NHS.”

21/01/09

The NHS Constitution launched today lays out what staff, patients and public can expect from the NHS.

safeguarding the future.

free of charge and with equal access for all.

Some clear expectations about patients’ responsibilities.  looking after your own health and keeping appointments