Page updated: 07 Apr 2010
The NHS Constitution
Introduction
The NHS Constitution was first published on 21 January 2009. Following extensive consultation, it brought together, for the first time, the principles, values, rights and responsibilities that underpin the NHS.
It is designed to renew and secure our commitment to the enduring principles of the NHS, making sure that the NHS continues to be relevant to the needs of patients, the public and staff in the 21st century.
The NHS Constitution contains:
- A short introduction, which outlines the purpose of the NHS and of the NHS Constitution.
- The principles of the NHS, which are the enduring high-level 'rules' that govern the way that the NHS operates and define how it seeks to achieve its purpose.
- NHS values that inspire passion in the NHS and should guide it in the 21st century. Individual organisations will develop and refresh their own values, tailored to their local needs.
- 25 rights and 14 pledges for patients and the public, as well as their responsibilities.
Staff, patients and the public were consulted about the NHS Constitution at every step of the way, at a national, regional and local level, to allow people to take part and help shape the final document.
Further consultation on the NHS Constitution was undertaken in Trafford, closing on 5 February 2010, to gain views on two new rights included, as well as a range of rights that could possibly added in the future.
NHS Trafford consultation on the NHS Constitution
As part of the national 2010 consultation on the NHS Constitution, NHS Trafford undertook some further local consultation work with people in Trafford. A survey was issued to members of the public and staff, and discussion groups were held with Year 10/11 school pupils.
People were specifically asked about two new rights included in the NHS constitution:
- The right to access services within maximum waiting times
- The right to be offered a NHS Health Check every five years if you are aged between 40 and 74.
Views were also sought on a series of other potential new rights that could be put in place in the NHS Constitution in the future around extended access to GPs, NHS dentistry, personal health budgets, choosing to die at home, rights to key diagnostic tests and the possible establishment of Constitution Champions.
The highlight findings following the 2010 consultation
- 84% agree there should be a patient right in respect of waiting times
- 82% agree with a right to treatment within 18 weeks
- 90% agree with a right to urgent referral for suspected cancer within 2 weeks
- 78% agree with a right to a health check every 5 years for 40 – 74 year olds
All the rights set out in the NHS Constitution, including the new rights detailed above, are underpinned by law and are legally enforceable.
- 69% agree a right to evening and weekend access to GPs should be explored
- 87% agree a right to access to an NHS dentist should be explored
- Mixed response for whether a right to personal health budgets should be explored
37% agree
49% either ‘maybe’ or ‘don’t know’
14% disagree
- 63% agree a right to choosing to die at home should be explored
- 80% agree a right to key diagnostic tests should be explored
- Mixed response for proposals around establishing a Constitution Champion role
57% agree the role should be developed locally
28% either ‘maybe’ or ‘don’t know’ whether the role should be developed locally
15% disagree the role should be developed locally
Several comments about whether this role is additional bureaucracy
Any of the potential new rights, such as those detailed above, must be separately established in law if they are to be included in the NHS Constitution in the future, and would be subject to further consultation.
View the findings in full or download the NHS Constiution.