Rights & Responsibilities

Our commitment to you

    • We want the NHS to be a high-quality health service. These are our aims as set out in the NHS Plan.

    • The NHS will provide a universal service for all based on clinical need, not ability to pay.

    • The NHS will provide a comprehensive range of services.

    • The NHS will shape its services around the needs and preferences of individual patients, their families and their carers.

    • The NHS will respond to different needs of different populations.

    • The NHS will work continuously to improve quality services and to minimise errors.

    • The NHS will support and value its staff. Public funds for healthcare will be devoted solely to NHS patients.

    • The NHS will work together with others to ensure a seamless service for patients.

    • The NHS will help keep people healthy and work to reduce health inequalities.

    • The NHS will respect the confidentiality of individual patients and provide open access to information about services, treatment and performance.

Your responsibilities

    • The NHS will work better if you use the service responsibly.

    • Do what you can to look after your own health, and follow advice on a healthy lifestyle.

    • Care for yourself when appropriate. (For example, you can treat yourself at home for common ailments such as coughs, colds and sore throats.)

    • Give blood if you are able, and carry an organ donor card or special needs card or bracelet.

    • Listen carefully to advice on your treatment and medication. Tell the doctor about any treatments you are already taking.

    • Treat NHS staff, fellow patients, carers and visitors politely, and with respect. We will not accept violence, racial, sexual or verbal harassment.

    • Keep your appointment or let the GP, dentist, clinic or hospital know as soon as possible if you cannot make it.

    • Book routine appointments in plenty of time.

    • Return any equipment that is no longer needed.

    • Pay NHS prescription charges and any other charges promptly when they are due and claim financial benefits or exemptions from these charges correctly.