The NHS has a constitution setting out the rights and responsibilities of those who work in the service and the patients who use it.  

The 12-page document promises, that the NHS will provide ‘a comprehensive service, available to all irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. ’It also states that patients 'have the right not to be unlawfully discriminated against in the provision of NHS services including on grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability (including learning disability or mental illness) or age.’

The government says that all NHS bodies, and private and third-sector providers supplying NHS services in England will be required by law to take account of the constitution in their decisions and actions. The government will have a legal duty to renew the constitution every 10 years. They also say that: ‘No government will be able to change the constitution, without the full involvement of staff, patients and the public.’

The constitution not only sets out the seven principles of the NHS but is also very clear about how its staff should treat its patients.Those worried about privatisation of the NHS may be pleased to read that the second principle is: ‘Access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay. NHS services are free of charge, except in limited circumstances sanctioned by Parliament.’

• Download the constitution here.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.