New NHS Constitution

A new legally binding NHS Constitution was unveiled on the 21st of January by the Health Secretary Alan Johnson, a result of one of the recommendations made in Lord Darzi’s report ‘High Quality Care for All’ The Constitution clearly and concisely sets out the rights and responsibilities patients, NHS staff and the organisations that deliver services for NHS patients. It gives patients increased choice and access to information about the treatment options available to them. Under the constitution doctors must provide information about other treatments. Ministers have ruled out withdrawal of treatment from people who smoke, drink excessive amount of alcohol or are obese.

For more information see:
NHS constitution ends era of 'doctor knows best'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jan/21/nhs-constitution-rights-treatment

The NHS Constitution: securing the NHS today for generations to come
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_093460