Good Governance Handbook - HQIP

principles by leadership and example.
6.4 NHS Constitution
The NHS Constitution was first published on 21 January 2009 and applies to NHS
services in England 36 . The NHS Constitution sets out current existing legal rights in
one place. All NHS organisations have a responsibility to enforce it, and a legal duty to
take note of the constitution when performing their duties. There is also a legal duty
on the Secretary of State for Health to renew the constitution every 10 years.
Independent and third sector providers of NHS services are ‘required to take account’
of the constitution in their contracting and Commissioning arrangements.
It contains 7 key principles and these are underpinned by core NHS values which have
been derived from discussions with staff, patients and the public.
6.4.1 Principles
• The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all, irrespective of
gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
• Access is based on clinical need, not on an individual’s ability to pay.
• The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
• NHS services must reflect the needs and preferences of patients, their families
and carers.
• The NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other
organisations in the interest 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.
6.4.2 Values
Respect and dignity. We value each person as an individual, respect their aspirations
and commitments in life, and seek to understand their priorities, needs, abilities and
limits. We take what others have to say seriously. We are honest about our point of
view and what we can and cannot do.
Commitment to quality of care. We earn the trust placed in us by insisting on quality
and striving to get the basics right every time: safety, confidentiality, professional and
managerial integrity, accountability, dependable service and good communication.
We welcome feedback, learn from our mistakes and build on our successes.
Compassion. We respond with humanity and kindness to each person’s pain, distress,
anxiety or need. We search for the things we can do, however small, to give comfort
and relieve suffering. We find time for those we serve and work alongside. We do not
36 Department of Health, The NHS Constitution for England, March 2010
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