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New NHS constitution unveiled

Monday 26th January 2009

A new legally-binding NHS constitution has been unveiled by the health secretary.

Announcing the development, Alan Johnson said that under the new rules, patients will gain a new right to information about the options available to them concerning free treatment on the health service in England.

In an interview with the Guardian, he said that, for example, doctors will no longer be able to simply recommend painkillers to a patient if there are medically appropriate alternatives, such as physiotherapy or surgery.

A source within the Department of Health added: "Gone will be the paternalistic days of being told by the doctor that you can't have physiotherapy for your back pain, or referral to an orthopaedic consultant."

The constitution also cites responsibilities for patients, such as treating NHS staff with respect and following the agreed course of treatment.

Mr Johnson was made health secretary by Gordon Brown after having previously holding the position of secretary of state for education and skills.

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