The NHS Constitution - What it means for you
The NHS Constitution brings together, for the first time in the history of the NHS, what staff, patients and the public can expect from the NHS.
The NHS belongs to us all. As well as capturing the purpose, principles and values of the NHS, the Constitution brings together a number of rights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patients alike. These rights and responsibilities are the result of extensive discussions and consultations with staff, patients and members of the public and it reflects what matters to them.
- An example of one of the rights included within the Constitution is:
‘You have the right to access NHS services. You will not be refused access on unreasonable grounds.’
- An example of one of the pledges included within the Constitution is:
'The NHS pledges to inform you about the healthcare services available to you, locally and nationally.’
- An example of one of the responsibilities included within the Constitution is: ‘You have a responsibility to follow the course of treatment which you have agreed, and talk to your clinician if you find this difficult.'
The government has a legal duty to review the Constitution every 10 years and will not be able to change it without the full involvement of staff, patients and the public.
All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying NHS services will be required by law to take account of this Constitution. Bury Clinical Commissioning Group will make sure that any decisions and actions taken will be in line with the NHS Constitution.