One of the recommendations in Lord Darzi's High Quality Care for All report in June 2008, the NHS Constitution brings together a number of rights, pledges and responisibilities for staff and patients.
The purpose and values of the NHS will be reinforced by placing a duty on providers and commissioners of NHS services to have regard to the new NHS Constitution. This legal duty is contained in the Health Bill, currently going through Parliament.
NHS Confederation viewpoint
Overall, the NHS Confederation supports the Government's plans for a Constitution for the NHS but have raised some questions about:
- how it will apply to different patients and providers
- how sustainable it is
- the process for implementing it.
We are working with the Department of Health as the Constitution develops.
Members' views sought
The Department of Health is consulting on new proposed rights which relate to waiting times and NHS health checks. Views are also sought on rights in other areas which may be included in the future.
The NHS Confederation is keen to hear views from members to inform our response. Read a summary of the consultation and please email views to naomi.foxwood@nhsconfed.org by 11 January 2010.