Constitution

The NHS Constitution is the core document which establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England.

It sets out rights to which patients, public and staff are entitled, and pledges which the NHS is committed to achieve, together with responsibilities, which the public, patients and staff owe to one another to ensure that the NHS operates fairly and effectively.

All NHS bodies and private and third sector providers supplying NHS services are required by law to take account of the NHS Constitution in their decisions and actions.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside also has its own Constitution, which builds upon the NHS Constitution and was approved by NHS England in June 2022.