Consultation launched on changes to NHS Constitution for England

As part of the 10 year review, as legislated for in the Health Act 2009, the Department of Health and Social Care is seeking input from patients, the public, staff and NHS organisations on how best to update the NHS Constitution for England to ensure it meets the needs of all those who use its many services.

The consultation will run for 8 weeks until 11:59pm on 25 June 2024, after which time a response and a new NHS Constitution will be published.

Among the proposed changes to the NHS Constitution already outlined are a new NHS value of ‘Environmental responsibilities’ and better recognition for the important role of NHS volunteers.

Environmental responsibilities

As one of the country’s most significant carbon footprint contributors, responsible for over 30 per cent of public sector emissions, the NHS is compelled to do everything it can to ensure its environmental responsibilities are taken seriously.

The Department of Health and Social Care is therefore proposing to add a new NHS value of ‘Environmental responsibilities’ to the Constitution:

‘We play our part in achieving legislative commitments on the environment. We do this by improving our resilience and efficiency, while always prioritising value for money. We will never compromise standards of care or the needs of patients in pursuit of these targets.’

Volunteers

To underline the important role volunteers play in making a difference to patients and services, as well as their contribution to the overall success of the health service, the Department of Health and Social Care proposes adding a new pledge to the staff section of the NHS Constitution:

‘The NHS recognises the incredibly important work volunteers undertake in making a difference to staff, patients and their families. Volunteers complement the NHS workforce; they do not replace it. The NHS will support and encourage volunteers in all aspects of their roles.’

‘Never been more timely’

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said, “The NHS Constitution plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of our NHS and helping the public to know their rights.

“Since the NHS Constitution launched, it has helped to shift the balance of power from services towards patients and their families. But, with only a third of people knowing their rights, there is still a long way to go.

“Given the challenges our NHS faces, a conversation to reaffirm and raise awareness of the most important rights to the public has never been more timely.

“We urge everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say. This is your opportunity to send a clear message about the rights you hold most dear.”

The NHS Constitution for England was last updated in 2015. It has to be updated at least every 10 years by the Secretary of State.

Anyone wishing to provide input to the consultation can take the survey here: consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/en/660d21db9ecc4223dd0174bf

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