Understanding Your Rights Under the NHS Constitution

Katie

·July 31, 2024

·7 min read

Understanding Your Rights Under the NHS Constitution — Image Source: unsplash

The NHS Constitution sets out the rights and responsibilities of everyone. Being aware of these rights assists in making informed healthcare decisions. Having a good grasp of it enables individuals to receive respectful care. This blog educates readers on the NHS Constitution and Patient Choice.

Overview of the NHS Constitution

What is the NHS Constitution?

Historical background

The NHS Constitution was made to bring together the rules and values of the National Health Service (NHS) in England. For the first time, it showed what staff, patients, and the public can expect from the NHS. This document makes sure that the NHS works fairly and well. The constitution is updated every ten years to stay useful and reflect changes in healthcare.

Key principles and values

The NHS Constitution has important rules that guide the NHS. These include:

Respect and Dignity: Treat everyone with respect.
Commitment to Quality of Care: Provide safe, good care focused on patients.
Compassion: Show kindness when giving care.
Improving Lives: Make people healthier.
Working Together for Patients: Work as a team with staff, patients, and public.
Everyone Counts: Include everyone; leave no one out.

Who does the NHS Constitution apply to?

Patients

The NHS Constitution applies to all patients using NHS services. Patients have rights to good care and respect. They can join in decisions about their care and complain if unhappy with services.

NHS staff

The constitution also covers all NHS workers, both clinical and non-clinical. Staff have rights to work in a supportive place. They must follow NHS principles to give best care.

General public

The general public is also included in the constitution. People have rights to access NHS services and learn about their health options. The constitution asks people to take care of their health and join health programs.

The NHS Constitution aims for a strong bond between government, services, professionals, and public. Knowing these rights helps make healthcare better for everyone.

NHS Constitution and Patient Choice

Understanding Patient Choice

Right to choose your provider

The NHS Constitution lets patients pick their healthcare provider. This means choosing a hospital or clinic for treatments. Patients can also select their GP practice. The NHS Standard Contract makes sure these rights work well. Choosing the right provider helps patients get care that fits their needs.

Right to be involved in decisions about your care

Patients can join in decisions about their care. Doctors must give clear information on treatment options. This helps patients make smart choices. The NHS Constitution highlights patient involvement in care choices. Being active in decisions leads to better health and happiness.

Access to NHS Services

Right to receive NHS services free of charge

The NHS Constitution promises free access to NHS services. This includes doctor visits, treatments, and surgeries. The NHS Choice Framework gives more details on these choices. Free access means everyone gets needed healthcare, no matter their money situation. This supports fairness in healthcare.

Right to access urgent and emergency care

Patients can get urgent and emergency care when needed. The NHS Constitution ensures emergency services are open 24/7. Quick access can save lives and stop problems from getting worse. The NHS Choice Framework explains how to get emergency help. Knowing these rights helps patients find fast care during emergencies.

Your Rights as a Patient

Quality of Care and Environment

Right to high-quality care

The NHS Constitution promises patients good care. Hospitals must meet set standards. Kind staff make patients happier and healthier. A varied team improves care quality. Patients do better when staff feel respected. This makes workers more engaged and motivated.

Right to a clean and safe environment

Patients deserve clean, safe places for care. Hospitals must stay clean to stop infections. Clean areas keep patients safe and healthy. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) checks hospital cleanliness. Safe places have good equipment and facilities. Safety lowers accident risks and builds trust.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Right to privacy

The NHS Constitution protects patient privacy. Doctors must respect personal space and dignity. Private talks keep information safe. Privacy helps build trust with doctors. It encourages sharing health details for better care.

Right to confidentiality of personal information

Patients' personal info must stay private. Only certain people can see medical records. Keeping info secure stops misuse of data. Trust in the healthcare system grows with data safety.

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

Giving Correct Information

Why accurate medical history matters

Patients must give correct medical history. Doctors need true info to help best. Wrong details can cause bad treatments. Accurate history includes past sicknesses, surgeries, and medicines. This helps doctors know health needs better.

Telling about health changes

Patients should tell doctors about health changes. New symptoms or side effects must be shared. This lets doctors change treatments if needed. Regular updates keep care safe and effective.

Being Respectful and Kind

Respecting NHS staff and other patients

Respect for NHS staff and other patients is key. Kindness makes a good environment. Patients should listen to healthcare workers' instructions. This keeps things running smoothly in healthcare places.

Following NHS rules

Patients must follow NHS rules and guidelines. These rules keep care safe and good quality. Following them helps stop infections and accidents. Obeying rules shows respect for the healthcare system.

Joining Health Programs

Going to appointments

Patients need to go to their appointments on time. Missing them can delay treatments. Regular visits check health progress. Being on time ensures needed care without delays.

Joining public health programs

Joining public health programs helps everyone. Vaccination programs and health checks are examples. These programs stop diseases and boost overall health. Taking part supports community well-being.

How to Raise Concerns and Make Complaints

Understanding the Complaints Process

Steps to take when making a complaint

Patients might need to talk about NHS problems. First, speak with the healthcare provider. This could be a doctor, nurse, or staff member. Talking often fixes issues fast. If not, write a formal complaint.

A written complaint needs details about the problem. Include dates, names, and events. Send it to the NHS organisation involved. This could be a hospital or clinic. NHS England also takes complaints.

What to expect after filing a complaint

After sending a complaint, patients get an acknowledgment in three days. The NHS will then look into the issue. They try to understand and fix it. Patients get updates during this time.

When done, the NHS gives a response with findings and actions taken. If unhappy, patients can ask for more reviews. NHS England works with others for fair solutions.

Support Available for Patients

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

PALS helps patients with concerns quickly and informally. Contact PALS for advice on complaints. PALS staff listen and guide patients through NHS services.

PALS aims to make patient experiences better by gathering feedback from all groups. They work closely with NHS organisations to solve issues.

Independent advocacy services

Advocates offer extra support by helping patients know their rights and write complaints. They attend meetings too.

These services are free and private through local councils or charities. Advocacy is key for helping vulnerable patients get fair treatment.

Raising concerns improves NHS services for everyone.

Knowing your rights under the NHS Constitution is very important. It helps patients make smart choices. Using the NHS Constitution means getting good care and services. Patients should take part in their healthcare journey. Informed patients help make the NHS stronger. Being aware and involved makes patient experiences better. The NHS Constitution is a key tool for better health outcomes.