The NHS Constitution

Visit the NHS Constitution internet site by clicking http://www.constitution.nhs.uk/east_midlands/index.php

It is a sort of ‘Bill of Rights' which sets out the principles and values that guide how the NHS should act and make decisions. It also explains the rights and responsibilities of staff, patients and the public, and the NHS' pledges to them. NHS Constitution documentation can be at the bottom of this page.

Who does it apply to?

It applies to all of us. In terms of services it applies to all NHS organisations and other bodies supplying NHS services.

It:

• Brings together in one place what staff, patients and taxpayers can expect from the NHS
• Forms the basis of a new relationship between staff and patients - based on partnership
• Describes everyone's responsibilities and makes it clear how we can make best use of NHS resources
• Confirms that the NHS belongs to all of us
• Details all existing rights for staff, patients and the public and explains what to do if you feel your rights have not been upheld. It also explains where the NHS
• pledges to improve services and working environments
• Sets out for the first time new rights for patients, for example:
  • right to make choices about your care
  • right to receive vaccinations that the national body recommends
  • Sets out principles and values to guide how all parts of the NHS should act and make decisions

It:

• Secures the future of the NHS for generations to come. The government must renew the constitution every 10 years after comprehensive consultation
• Aims to ensure high-quality, free NHS services - value for money for tax payers
• Tells staff and patients to what they are entitled
• Recognises that it is staff that really make the difference when providing high-quality care
• Helps staff, patients and the public play their part in the NHS
• Sets out a vision in which all staff should be trusted and actively listened to and have the confidence and tools to act in patients' interests

The rights and pledges are detailed under the following headings:

• Access to health services
• Quality of care and the environment
• Nationally approved treatments and programmes
• Respect, consent and confidentiality
• Informed choice
• Involvement in healthcare and the NHS
• Complaint and redress

You can read a number of documents including:

• The NHS Constitution
• The Handbook to the NHS Constitution
• The Statement of NHS Accountability
• The National Health Service Constitution - report of the Constitutional Advisory Forum to the Secretary of State for Health

Or visit the NHS Constitution internet site by clicking http://www.constitution.nhs.uk/east_midlands/index.php

For more information please contact our patient advice and liaison team:

Minicom: 0800 183 0204
Email: pals@nuh.nhs.uk
Freephone City Hospital campus: 0800 052 1195
Freephone QMC campus: 0800 183 0204

If using your mobile please call:
City Hospital campus: 0115 9691169 extension 59671
QMC campus: 0115 924 9924 extension 65412 or 62301

If calling from outside of the UK please use the following numbers:
0044 115 924 9924 extension 65412 or 62301

All these publications can be found on the Department of Health website.

Order on-line: www.orderline.dh.gov.uk
Email: dh@prolog.uk.com
Phone: 0300 123 1002
Post: PO Box 7, London, SE1 6XH