The NHS Constitution:
A consultation on new patient rights

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.  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.

This consultation proposes new patient rights like :

• Treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from a GP referral
• Patients seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks from a GP referral
• NHS Health Checks for those aged 40 to 74 to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease

It also welcomes views on areas where we believe we will soon be able to offer rights, such as dentistry, evening and weekend access to GPs, personal health budgets, the ability to choose to die at home and rapid access to diagnostic tests. 

You can access the consultation response form at :
http://www.info.doh.gov.uk/questionnaire/nhs_constitution.nsf

For more information and supporting documentation on the consultation please visit the Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_108012

Or contact Faheem Sheikh Senior Patient & Public Information Officer NHS Coventry for more information on 02476 246 199.