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The NHS Constitution for England

Braille and alternative language versions are available on request

The Handbook to the NHS Constitution

The Handbook to the NHS Constitution gives NHS staff and patients all the information they need about the NHS Constitution in one place. It acts as a guide to:

  • patients’ rights and pledges
  • responsibilities of patients and the public and staff
  • staff rights and NHS pledges to its staff.

At the back of the handbook is an appendix, which outlines the legal source for both the patient and staff rights in the NHS Constitution.

The statement of NHS accountability

The Constitution commits the Government to providing a statement of NHS accountability. This document provides a summary of the structure and functions of the NHS.

Government response to the 2009-10 consultation on new patient rights

The Department of Health published a consultation on new patient rights on 10 November 2009. The consultation closed 5 February 2010.

Over 8,000 people responded to the consultation which involved both local engagement activities carried out by PCTs, and a national consultation process. Following the consultation, a revised NHS Constitution has been published, including a new right to start non-urgent treatment within 18 weeks, and to see a specialist where cancer is suspected within 2 weeks of referral, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers where this is not possible. This new right comes into effect on 1 April 2010.

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Ordering publications

Contact details for obtaining hard-copy DH publications.

Help viewing PDFs

Useful tips to ensure you get the most from PDFs and the free Reader program. Topics covered include accessibility, troubleshooting and searching files.

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