The NHS Constitution describes the values and enduring principles of the NHS, what it stands for and the commitments it should live up to.
The NHS belongs to us all, taking care of us and our family members when we need it the most. The NHS Constitution was created to protect the principles of the NHS and empower patients, public and staff by setting out, for the first time in one place, existing legal rights and pledges.
It is a 10-year plan to provide the highest quality of service for patients in England and brings together what staff, patients and the public can expect from the NHS in one document. It captures the purpose, principles and values of the NHS and comprises a number of rights, pledges and responsibilities for staff and patients.
These were the result of extensive consultations with staff, the public and patients - and reflect their top priorities. All NHS bodies, and private and third-sector providers supplying NHS services in England, are required by law to take account of the Constitution in their actions.