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NHS Constitution

NHS Constitution

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The Department of Health published a consultation on new patient rights on November 10, 2009. The consultation closed on February 5, 2010.

Over 8,000 people responded to the consultation which involved both local engagement activities carried out by PCTs and a national consultation process. Following the consultation, a revised NHS Constitution has been published, including a new right to start non-urgent treatment within 18 weeks, and to see a specialist where cancer is suspected within 2 weeks of referral, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers where this is not possible. This new right comes into effect on 1 April 2010.

To read the revised NHS Constitution please download the file below:

icon NHS Constitution April 2010 (1.17 MB)

For more information please go to the NHS Choices website