Eleanor Finch
The NHS Constitution for England is a document that outlines the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities of the NHS, its staff, and its patients. It is accompanied by a handbook that provides more detailed information on the rights and pledges outlined in the Constitution, as well as the legislation that underpins them. The Constitution sets out the NHS's commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality services to all, regardless of their ability to pay, and to working in partnership with other organisations to improve health and wellbeing. It also establishes the government's accountability to Parliament for the operation of the NHS and outlines the commitments and responsibilities of all involved to ensure the NHS operates fairly and effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brief and written in plain terms | Patients come first |
| Contains the 'Purpose', 'Principles' and 'Values' of the NHS | Improving lives |
| Sets out the rights for patients, public and staff | Everyone counts |
| Outlines NHS commitments to patients and staff | Best value for taxpayers' money |
| Sets out the responsibilities that the public, patients and staff owe to one another | Effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources |
| Contains pledges that the NHS is committed to achieve | NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves |
| Summarises existing legal rights | --- |
| Legally binding | --- |
| Requires renewal every 10 years | --- |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The NHS Constitution outlines patients' rights
The NHS Constitution guarantees patients the right to access certain services commissioned by NHS bodies within maximum waiting times. If this is not possible, the NHS is committed to taking all reasonable steps to offer a range of suitable alternative providers. The Constitution also ensures that patients have convenient and easy access to services within the waiting times set out in the Handbook. It promotes clear and transparent decision-making, so that patients and the public can understand how services are planned and delivered.
Furthermore, the NHS Constitution places patients at the heart of everything it does, striving to improve health and wellbeing and people's experiences of the NHS. It ensures that everyone counts and that resources are maximised for the benefit of the whole community, with no one being excluded, discriminated against, or left behind. The NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations to improve health and wellbeing and provide the best value for taxpayers' money.
The NHS Constitution also outlines patients' legal rights, which are summarised in the Constitution and explained in detail in the Handbook. The Handbook provides guidance on what to do if patients feel their rights have not been upheld or if the NHS is not meeting its commitments. It includes information on the complaints process, ensuring that patients' concerns are addressed and resolved. Overall, the NHS Constitution serves as a comprehensive document that protects patients' rights and ensures equitable and effective healthcare.
Understanding Taxable Property in South Carolina
You may want to see also
It also outlines NHS commitments to staff
The NHS Constitution outlines the commitments of the NHS to its staff. It is a document that brings together, for the first time in the history of the NHS, what staff, patients, and the public can expect from the NHS. It sets out the rights of patients, the public, and staff, as well as the responsibilities that these groups owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively.
The NHS Constitution is accompanied by a handbook, which is renewed at least every three years. This handbook provides further detail on the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities established by the Constitution. It also outlines the legislation that underpins these rights and the complaints process. The handbook is available in a range of languages and can be obtained from the Department of Health website.
The NHS Constitution is considered a 'declaratory document' as it summarises existing legal rights without creating any new ones. It includes pledges that go above and beyond legal rights, representing a commitment by the NHS to provide comprehensive, high-quality services. These pledges are not legally binding but demonstrate the NHS's dedication to improving the experiences of its staff and patients.
The Constitution is subject to regular review and re-commitment, with any proposed changes requiring a full and transparent debate with the involvement of staff, patients, and the public. This process ensures that the principles, values, rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution remain up-to-date and reflective of the needs of all stakeholders.
The NHS Constitution values are at the heart of the recruitment process, with applicants for NHS jobs expected to demonstrate these values and how they would apply them in their everyday work. The six core values that staff are expected to uphold are:
- Working together for patients
- Patients come first
- Improving lives
- Everyone counts
- Working across organisational boundaries
- Providing best value for taxpayers' money
These values guide the actions and decisions of NHS staff, ensuring that they provide the best possible care and service to patients and the community.
The Constitution: Protecting Against Fleeting Majorities
You may want to see also
The constitution is accompanied by a handbook
The NHS Constitution for England is a document that outlines the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities of patients, the public, and NHS staff. It is accompanied by a handbook, which provides additional information and guidance.
The handbook to the NHS Constitution is a detailed guide that elaborates on the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities established by the Constitution. It is produced by the Department of Health and Social Care and is legally required to be renewed at least once every three years. This regular renewal ensures that the principles and values of the NHS are subject to frequent review and re-commitment. The handbook also outlines the legal sources for the rights and pledges outlined in the Constitution, providing clarity and transparency.
The handbook is designed to be accessible and easy to understand, empowering patients and staff to understand their rights and responsibilities. It includes information on waiting times for accessing services, the process for making decisions, and the commitment to smooth transitions when patients are referred between services. Additionally, the handbook emphasises the right to be treated by appropriately qualified and experienced staff in a safe and approved organisation.
Furthermore, the handbook to the NHS Constitution explains the complaints process and the steps to take if patients feel their rights have not been upheld or if the NHS has not met its commitments. It encourages patients to first discuss their concerns with their clinician or local NHS and outlines existing forms of resolving concerns, such as PALS and the Health Service Ombudsman. The handbook also highlights that, as a last resort, patients can seek legal redress if they feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.
The NHS Constitution and its accompanying handbook are integral components of the NHS, ensuring that patients, the public, and staff are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities. The handbook plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and patient empowerment within the NHS.
The Constitution's Two Sides: Understanding the Dual Nature
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The NHS Constitution is a declaratory document
The NHS Constitution brings together, for the first time, what staff, patients, and the public can expect from the NHS. It captures the 'Purpose', 'Principles', and 'Values' of the NHS, as well as the rights, pledges, and responsibilities for staff and patients. These rights and responsibilities arose from extensive discussions and consultations with staff, patients, and the public. The NHS Constitution is considered a declaratory document because it declares and summarises these existing rights and responsibilities in one place.
The Constitution sets out the commitments of the NHS to patients and staff and outlines the responsibilities that the public, patients, and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively. It also includes pledges that go above and beyond legal rights, representing a commitment by the NHS to provide comprehensive, high-quality services. These pledges are not legally binding but demonstrate the NHS's dedication to excellence.
As a declaratory document, the NHS Constitution serves as a reference point for all NHS bodies, private providers, and third-sector providers supplying NHS services in England. They are required by law to consider the Constitution in their decisions and actions. The Constitution also sets out the government's commitment to producing an up-to-date statement of NHS accountability, explaining the decision-making process within the NHS. This statement of accountability provides clarity on the NHS's system of accountability, transparency, and responsibility.
The NHS Constitution is subject to regular review and re-commitment. The government has a legal duty to renew the Constitution every ten years, and any alterations to its principles, values, rights, pledges, duties, or responsibilities must involve full and transparent debate with staff, patients, and the public. This ensures that the NHS Constitution remains a living document that adapts to the changing needs and expectations of those it serves.
Unconstitutional Acts: What's Really Banned?
You may want to see also
It is subject to regular review and re-commitment
The NHS Constitution for England is a document that outlines the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities of the NHS, its staff, and its patients. It is accompanied by a handbook that provides more detailed information on the rights and pledges outlined in the Constitution, as well as guidance on what to do if patients feel their rights have not been upheld. The NHS Constitution is subject to regular review and re-commitment to ensure that the principles and values that underpin the NHS are current and relevant.
The NHS Constitution is a living document that is updated periodically to reflect changes in healthcare and society. The Constitution was first introduced in 2009 and has since been amended multiple times, with the most recent update in 2021 following the UK's exit from the EU. The Handbook to the NHS Constitution is legally required to be renewed at least once every three years, and the government has a legal duty to renew the Constitution every ten years. These regular renewals ensure that the NHS remains accountable to the public, patients, and staff that it serves.
The rights outlined in the NHS Constitution are enshrined in current law and are legally binding. However, the Constitution itself does not create any new rights but summarises existing legal rights. This means that any changes or amendments to the Constitution must be done transparently and with the full involvement of staff, patients, and the public. Extensive discussions and consultations are held with these key stakeholders to ensure that any changes reflect their needs and values.
The NHS Constitution is more than just a legal document; it represents a commitment by the NHS to provide comprehensive, high-quality services that go above and beyond legal requirements. The Constitution outlines the NHS's commitment to working in partnership with other organisations to improve health and wellbeing and to make the most effective, fair, and sustainable use of finite resources. It also emphasises the importance of putting patients at the heart of everything the NHS does and striving for excellence and professionalism in patient care.
By being subject to regular review and re-commitment, the NHS Constitution ensures that the NHS remains true to its core values and principles. It provides a framework for the NHS to operate fairly and effectively, with a focus on improving the lives of patients and the wider community. The regular review process allows the NHS to adapt to changing needs and priorities while upholding the rights and pledges that are central to its mission of providing high-quality healthcare for all.
Privacy in the Constitution: Direct or Indirect Mention?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The NHS Constitution is a declaratory document that outlines the rights, pledges, duties, and responsibilities of the NHS, its staff, patients, and the public. It is a concise document written in plain language and is accompanied by a handbook that provides more detailed information and guidance.
The NHS Constitution sets out the "Purpose", "Principles", and "Values" of the NHS, along with the rights, pledges, and responsibilities of staff and patients. It also includes information on access to services, clinical need, standards of excellence, and partnerships with other organisations.
The NHS Constitution is a living document that undergoes regular reviews and updates. The government has a legal duty to renew the Constitution every 10 years, and it is subject to amendments as needed. The Constitution was last updated in 2013, and further amendments are proposed periodically to ensure it remains current and relevant.
