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The NHS Constitution

What is the NHS Constitution?

The NHS Constitution sets out for the very first time the core values, principles and commitments of the NHS in one place. It sets out rights to which patients, the public and staff are entitled, and the pledges which the NHS is expected to achieve, together with responsibilities which the patient, public and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively.

At The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we have pledged our support to the principles and values of the NHS Constitution and we are committed to providing our service users and staff with respect, dignity and the highest standards of care - values which are highlighted throughout the Constitution.

The Constitution will be renewed every 10 years, with consultation from staff and the public.

How does the NHS Constitution affect me?

The NHS Constitution sets out the rights and responsibilities of both patients and staff. There are seven key principles that guide the NHS:

The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all, irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual's ability to pay. NHS services are free, except in limited circumstances sanctioned by Parliament.
The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in all that it does, including the development and support of staff, as well as the care and treatment of patients.
NHS services must reflect the needs and preferences of patients, their families and their carers. Patients should not be seen as passive recipients of treatment, but as partners whose individual needs and preferences should be taken into account.
The NHS works together across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations in the interests of patients, local communities and the wider population.
The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers' money and the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources.
The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves

Along with the seven guiding principles, the NHS Constitution also sets out the core values of the NHS. These are:

Respect and dignity
Commitment to quality of care
Compassion
Improving lives
Working together for patients
Everyone counts

These values and principles provide the core framework of the NHS. The NHS Constitution also sets out what you as a patient have the right to expect from the NHS and what is expected from you as a patient.

For further information on these rights, responsibilities and what you can expect from your NHS then please read the full version of The NHS Constitution ( pdf, 617KB)

The NHS Constitution is available in a range of languages, large print and an easy read version:

NHS Constitution - Large Print Version (pdf, 65KB)
NHS Constitution - Easy Read Version (pdf, 1.74MB)