A draft Constitution that enshrines the principles and values of the NHS for the future was published recently. The first of its kind in the world, the Constitution is the result of extensive discussions with staff, patients and the public over the past year.
Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State for Health, said: “This is a momentous point in the history of the NHS. At the 60th anniversary of our health service, it is striking to see how its founding principles endure and have resonance for staff, patients and the public alike. The content of the Constitution was not dreamt up by me or civil servants in Whitehall, but has arisen out of discussions with thousands of NHS staff and patients across the country.”
The draft Constitution and consultation, booklets for staff and patients and the Constitution handbook can be found at the Department of Health website.
www.dh.gov.uk/consultations