NHS Constitution

The NHS principles are built upon core values that work together to join communities and the people it serves, patients, public and the staff who work for it.

This 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.

The Secretary of State for Health, all NHS bodies, private and voluntary sector providers supplying NHS services, and local authorities in the exercise of their public health functions are required by law to take account of this Constitution in their decisions and actions.

Principles that guide the NHS:

1. The NHS provides a comprehensive service, available to all
2. Access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual's ability to pay
3. The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism
4. The NHS aspires to put patients at the heart of everything it does
5. The NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations in the interest of patients, local communities and the wider population
6. The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers' money and the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources
7. The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves

Last Updated: Wednesday, 02 November 2016 16:13