1. The NHS belongs to us all Jayne Adamson November 2012
The NHS Constitution
The NHS belongs to us all
Jayne Adamson
November 2012

2. The NHS Constitution – What is it?
The Constitution is an important plan to make clear to patients, the public and staff what they can expect from the NHS. It brings information together in one place for the first time (21st January 2009)
The constitution is written for:-
patients
public
everyone who does NHS work in England

3. The NHS Constitution will:-
Ensure the NHS can continue to do a good job in the future
Give power to patients and the public
Inform patients, the public and NHS staff what they can do to help the NHS
Tell staff that they are the most important part of the NHS

4. The NHS Constitution and the law
The NHS, private providers and third sector providers of health services must use the Constitution when they plan and provide services
The Constitution will not change without asking patients, the public and staff
The Constitution will be reviewed every 10 years

5. The NHS Constitution – 7 key principles
The NHS is for everyone whatever their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief
To have free health care as far as possible, as long as Parliament agrees
To provide high quality care
To involve patients and carers in deciding about the provisions of services
To work with other services to provide better health care
To spend tax payers money carefully
To be open and transparent about how money is spent

6. The NHS Constitution – Rights for patients and the public
To have free health care, as far as possible
To receive high quality care
To access services quickly
To have medicines that have been approved by NICE
To be treated fairly and with respect
To say what care you do and do not want
To be given information about your care
To choose your doctor
To be involved in making decisions about your care
(These rights are protected by the law)
There are a number of NHS pledges to underpin these rights

7. The NHS Constitution – Rights for staff doing NHS Work
To have a good place to work
To have fair pay
To be involved in decision making
To be treated fairly
Can complain if they are not happy
There are a number of NHS pledges to underpin these rights

8. The NHS Constitution – Responsibilities for patients and the public
To look after your health
To register with a doctor
To be polite to NHS staff and other patients
To give the right information about yourself
To keep appointments or let us know if you cannot
To do your best to do what your doctor tells you
To let is know how your treatment has affected you

9. The NHS Constitution – responsibilities for staff
To take responsibility for what they do
To look after their own health and safety and that of colleagues
Not to discriminate against patients or staff
To keep information about patients private
To be honest and truthful
To do training to be better at their jobs
Work with patients and the public to make services better
To give information to patients and involve them in making decisions

10. The NHS Constitution – 6 key values
Respect and dignity
Commitment to quality of care
Compassion
Improving lives
Working together for patients
Everyone counts