Summary
An updated NHS Constitution has been released to coincide with publication of the Department of Health’s official response to the Francis Inquiry report, “Patients first and foremost”. The NHS Constitution encapsulates the principles and values of the NHS in England. It specifies the rights to which patients, the public and staff are entitled. The new Constitution replaces the previous version of the Constitution published in March 2012. An updated handbook to the NHS Constitution is also available.
“All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying NHS services are required by law to take account of this constitution in their decisions and actions”.
Read more: NHS Constitution for England updated.
Additions / amendments to the April 2013 edition the NHS Constitution concern updates relating to:
- Patient involvement.
- Patient family and friends’ feedback.
- Duty of candour.
- End of life care.
- Integrated care.
- Complaints.
- Patient information.
- Staff rights, responsibilities and commitments.
- Dignity, respect and compassion.
Reference
Department of Health (2013). NHS Constitution: the NHS belongs to us all. London: NHS Department of Health Constitution Team, March 26th 2013.
Reference
Department of Health (2013). The handbook to the NHS Constitution for England. London: Department of Health NHS Constitution Team, March 26th 2013.
[A brief reference to this item features in Dementia and Elderly Care: the Latest Evidence Newsletter (RWNHST), Volume 3 Issue 7, May 2013].
