Website of the Department of Health

The National Health Service Constitution

The proposed NHS Constitution published today, marking 60 years of the NHS, is about safeguarding its core principles and values for the next generation; whilst setting a clear direction for the future. It reaffirms rights to NHS services, free of charge and with equal access for all, and it enshrines patient rights to choice and to NICE-approved drugs recommended by clinicians. This consultation closed on 17 October 2008.

• Download NHS Constitution Launch video (MPG, 29736K)
• Download NHS Constitution launch audio (MP3, 2286K)
• Download consultation document (product no. 288744 - updated 3 October 2008) (PDF, 561K)
• Download NHS Constitution (product no. 288970) (PDF, 170K)
• Download NHS Constitution Handbook (product no. 288960 - text corrected 4 July 2008) (PDF, 233K)
• Download quick guide leaflet (product no. 288748 - text corrected 3 July 2008) (PDF, 111K)
• Download your guide to the proposed NHS Constitution (product no. 288745 - text corrected 3 July 2008) (PDF, 1089K)
• Download staff guide to the proposed NHS Constitution (product no. 288747- text corrected 3 July 2008) (PDF, 872K)
• Download impact assessment (PDF, 453K)