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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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