NHS Constitution is just a ‘document of platitudes’

22 Jan 09
The NHS Constitution launched by Health Secretary Alan Johnson on January 21 has received a lukewarm welcome as a ‘document of platitudes’

23 January 2009

By Tash Shifrin

The NHS Constitution launched by Health Secretary Alan Johnson on January 21 has received a lukewarm welcome as a 'document of platitudes'.

The constitution, which outlines rights and responsibilities for patients, the NHS and staff, echoes the 1991 Patients' Charter launched by Conservative prime minister John Major and Labour's 2001 document, Your guide to the NHS.

It includes a statement that NHS services are free of charge 'except in limited circumstances sanctioned by Parliament'. The Health Bill, now before Parliament, includes a duty on NHS providers and commissioners to have regard to the constitution. 

Johnson billed publication of the document as 'a momentous point in the history of the NHS', saying: 'It will ensure that we protect the NHS for generations to come.'

Others were less excited. Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb said: 'It is hard to object to the principle of an NHS constitution.' But he added that ministers were 'overspinning' the document as a bill of rights 'when in reality it looks like a document of platitudes'.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chair of the British Medical Association, said: 'We need more than a “feelgood” document. In its current form, it is unclear how the constitution will change the everyday experiences of patients and staff.'

PFjan2009

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