Wolverhampton City PCT - NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution - the NHS belongs to us all

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. The Constitution was approved by government in November 2009 and contains 6 values for which the NHS should seek to live up to, plus 14 pledges to patients, 4 pledges to staff plus a handbook that’s gives patients and staff all the information they require about the Constitution.

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.

Consultation over Patient Waiting Times

Know your Rights

A 3-month consultation was held over proposals to introduce new rights into the NHS Constitution. This consultation asked the following:

Should a right in respect of waiting times be established and included in a revised NHS Constitution?
If so, should the right include:

The current standard for treatment within 18 weeks?
The current standard for urgent referrals of suspected cancer to be seen by a specialist within two weeks?

There was overwhelming support for the creation of this new right, with nearly 90% of respondents in favour of it as a whole (80% of respondents agreeing that a right should be created to include the current standard for treatment within 18 weeks, and 92% of respondents thinking that it should include the current standard for urgent referrals of suspected cancer). Comments supporting this proposal highlighted the progress already made in reducing waiting times and welcomed the clarity and reassurance the new rights would provide for patients.

As a result of the widespread support for the proposals contained in the consultation, a new right is included in a revised version of the NHS Constitution.
The right will come into effect on 1 April 2010.
It reads:

‘You have the right to access services within maximum waiting times, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of alternative providers if this is not possible. The waiting times are described in the Handbook to the NHS Constitution.’

The Handbook to the NHS Constitution has been amended to indicate that the waiting time standards to which this right applies are:

the 18-week standard from referral to consultant-led services to the start of treatment for patients with non-urgent conditions; and
the 2-week standard from referral to seeing a specialist for those with suspected cancer.

Need help or more information?
Contact the Patient Advice and Liaison team at Wolverhampton City PCT on 01902 445378, or e-mail us on pals@wolvespct.nhs.uk

What is the NHS Constitution?

The Constitution establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England. It sets out rights to which patients, public and staff are entitled, and pledges which the NHS is committed to achieve, together with responsibilities which the public, patients and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively.

Who does it apply to?
All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying NHS services will be required by law to take account of this Constitution in their decisions and actions.

What does it do?
The NHS Constitution:

Brings together in one place what staff, patients and taxpayers can expect from the NHS
Forms the basis of a new relationship between staff and patients - based on partnership
Describes everyone's responsibilities and makes it clear how we can make best use of NHS resources
Confirms that the NHS belongs to all of us
Details all existing rights for staff, patients and the public and explains what to do if you feel your rights have not been upheld. It also explains where the NHS pledges to improve services and working environments
Sets out for the first time new rights for patients, example:
- right to make choices about your care
- right to receive vaccinations that the national body recommends
- Sets out principles and values to guide how all parts of the NHS should act and make decisions

Why is it necessary?
The NHS Constitution:

Secures the future of the NHS for generations to come. The government must renew the constitution every 10 years after comprehensive consultation
Aims to ensure high-quality, free NHS services - value for money for tax payers
Tells staff and patients to what they are entitled
Recognises that it is staff that really make the difference when providing high-quality care
Helps staff, patients and the public play their part in the NHS
Sets out a vision in which all staff should be trusted and actively listened to and have the confidence and tools to act in patients' interests

What are the rights and NHS pledges to patients?
The rights and pledges are detailed under the following headings:

Access to health services
Quality of care and the environment
Nationally approved treatments and programmes
Respect, consent and confidentiality
Informed choice
Involvement in healthcare and the NHS
Complaint and redress.

Useful documents

Find out more

Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust
Change Management Co-ordinator on 01902 444096
NHS Constitution - national website
The NHS belongs to us all. The NHS Constitution brings together in one place for the first time in the history of the NHS, what staff, patients and public can expect from the NHS.
NHS Constitution - West Midlands website
This website brings to life the NHS Constitution by allowing you to access the document electronically. There are separate pages on the principles that guide the NHS; NHS values; Patients and the Public; and a page dedicated to Staff. It also allows you to localise any queries you have by linking to the NHS Choices website and to record any feedback.
Department of Health
Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/NHSConstitution/index.htm
Contact: NHS Constitution Team, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS
Email: NHSConstitution@dh.gsi.gov.uk