The NHS Constitution -
A consultation on new patient rights
The NHS Constitution brought together in one place what the NHS does, what it stands for and the commitments it should live up to. It describes and renews our commitment to the values and enduring principles of the NHS. It is also a living document that needs to reflect what matters and is relevant to the needs of patients, the public and staff in the 21st century.
This consultation proposes new patient rights to:
- treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from a GP referral and to be seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks from a GP referral, or where this is not possible, for the NHS to take reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers; and
- NHS Health Checks for those aged 40 to 74 to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease
It also welcomes views on areas where we believe we will soon be able to offer rights, such as dentistry, evening and weekend access to GPs, personal health budgets, the ability to choose to die at home and rapid access to diagnostic tests.
Following the commitment in Building Britain’s Future to strengthen advocacy and redress systems, the consultation also seeks views on the proposed role of the Constitution Champion.
To respond to the consultation
This consultation will run from 10 November 2009 to 5 February 2010
To respond to this consultation, please either complete the online response form, email the NHS Constitution mailbox or write to the address below:
NHS Constitution Consultation Response
Richmond House 601
79 Whitehall,
London SW1A 2NS
Responses should be submitted by 5 February 2010.
