NHS constitution

What patients can expect from the NHS is to be set out in an NHS constitution.

The prime minister announced that the charter would also benefit staff as it will describe the rights and responsibilities of both health service employees and patients.

Reforms including the constitution will be made under the anticipated NHS reform bill, which will be published this summer following surgeon and health minister Lord Ara Darzi's review of the NHS.

"As part of [the reform bill] an NHS constitution would describe the rights and responsibilities of staff and patients to strengthen and sustain the NHS," the government's draft legislation programme says.

"It would clarify rights for patients, such as informed consent prior to treatment; and expectations on patients – attending appointments and respecting staff."

The creation of an NHS Constitution comes as the health service celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Gordon Brown promised in the Commons that as the NHS turns 60 the government will continue to work to ensure the highest possible standards of care and to help individuals shape the care they receive.

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