Handbook to the NHS Constitution for England (update)

Information about the rights and pledges in the NHS Constitution and what these mean for NHS patients and staff.

Published 27 July 2015

Last updated 24 January 2025 — See all updates

Handbook to 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.

New agreements came into force from autumn 2021, and the NHS Constitution for England was updated accordingly.

This handbook is designed to give the public, patients, carers, families and NHS staff all the information they need about the NHS Constitution for England.

The handbook covers:

• NHS values and the principles that guide the NHS
• explanations of the rights and pledges in the NHS Constitution
• legal sources of patient and staff rights
• the roles we all play in protecting and developing the NHS