Published 8 March 2012
Last updated 17 August 2023 — See all updates
The NHS
Constitution for England
Details
As a result of the EU Exit transition period ending on 31
December 2020, the rules changed regarding UK residents’ access
to healthcare in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and
Switzerland.
From autumn 2021 new agreements have come into force and so the
NHS Constitution for England will be updated.
The constitution sets out rights for patients, public and staff.
It outlines NHS commitments to patients and staff, and the
responsibilities that the public, patients and staff owe to one
another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively.
All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying
NHS services are required by law to take account of the
constitution in their decisions and actions.
The constitution sets out a commitment for government to produce
an up-to-date statement of NHS accountability to explain how
decision-making works in the NHS. This is included in the
Guide to the healthcare
system in England.
The Department of Health and Social Care has also produced
supplements, including the
NHS Constitution handbook, that explains in greater detail
the rights and pledges contained in the constitution.
How to complain
For information on how patients can give feedback or make a
complaint about NHS care or treatment, see the NHS website for
guidance on How to
complain to the NHS. It includes information on the
complaints arrangements, and what patients can expect when they
make a complaint. The complaints guidance should be read
alongside the NHS Constitution.
