NHS Constitution: a benefit for staff and patients
A constitution for the NHS in England was launched a year ago following an extensive public consultation.
It contained seven key principles, as well as the rights, pledges and responsibilities of both staff and patients. It also sets out how accountability can be strengthened.
The seven principles are:
- The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all, irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
- Access is based on clinical need, not on an individual’s ability to pay.
- The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
- NHS services must reflect the needs and preferences of patients, their families and carers.
- The NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations in the interest of patients, local communities and the wider population.
- The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers’ money and the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources.
- The NHS is accountable to the public, communities, and patients that it serves.
The legal status of the NHS Constitution
The NHS Constitution sets out current existing legal rights in one place. There is a single new right regarding choice that will be put into law separately. All NHS organisations have a responsibility to enforce it, and a legal duty to take note of the constitution when performing their duties.
There is also a legal duty on the Secretary of State for Health to renew the constitution every 10 years. Independent and third sector providers of NHS services are ‘required to take account’ of the constitution in their contracting and Commissioning arrangements.
The constitution provides a context for the new system of registration by the Care Quality Commission to be introduced from 2010.
It contains a number of pledges, which are commitments the NHS will strive to achieve a standard though it cannot be guaranteed.
A Constitution handbook will be updated at least every three years with details of the rights, responsibilities, how the NHS will deliver its pledges and what patients can expect and do if things go wrong. Copies of the NHS constitution can be downloaded here.
If you would like any more information about the NHS Constitution, please contact:
Esther Peapell
NHS Constitution Champion
NHS Coventry
Christchurch House
Greyfriars Lane
Coventry
CV1 2GQ
Tel: 024 7623 6158
Email: esther.peapell@coventrypct.nhs.uk
- Commissioning
Process by which the health needs of the local population are identified. Priorities for investment are set and appropriate services are purchased and evaluated. Primary Care Trusts do not provide all of the healthcare services needed by the local population, they buy-in or commission services from other provider organisations. Typically this includes local hospitals.