The NHS belongs to us all. The NHS Constitution was published on January 21 2009. For the first time in the history of the NHS, the constitution brings together in one place details of what staff, patients and the public can expect from the National Health Service.
It explains that by working together we can make the best of NHS money to improve our health and wellbeing, to maintain mental and physical wellbeing, to get better when we're ill, and to stay as well as we can during terminal illness. The constitution reaffirms that everyone has a role to play in the success of the NHS.
As well as stating the purpose, principles and values of the NHS, the constitution includes a number of rights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patients. These rights and responsibilities are the result of extensive discussions and consultations with staff, patients and public, and it reflects what matters to them.
Subject to parliamentary approval, all NHS bodies, and private and third-sector providers that supply NHS services in England will be required by law to consider the constitution when making decisions and taking action. The government will have a legal duty to renew the constitution every 10 years. No government will be able to change the constitution without the full involvement of staff, patients and the public.
Download an interactive version of the NHS Constitution (PDF)
For more information and related documents: www.dh.gov.uk/nhsconstitution
