The NHS Constitution, the first of its kind in the world, was signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Health Secretary Alan Johnson and NHS Chief Executive David Nicholson in January 2009.
The purpose of the Constitution is to safeguard the NHS’ core principles and values for the next generation, while setting a clear direction for the future.
It reaffirms rights to NHS services, free of charge and with equal access for all, and it enshrines patient rights to choice and to NICE-approved drugs recommended by clinicians.
The Constitution empowers both staff and service users, and contains clear pledges on the ways in which the NHS will strive to go beyond the stated rights to improve the working environment.
Residents, service users and other stakeholders from across England commented on the draft constitution during the consultation period in 2008.
Below you will find links to download both the NHS Constitution for England and the Handbook of the NHS Constitution for England