NHS Constitution

Skip the page content navigation if you do not require links to content sections within this page.

Page Content Navigation

Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Primary navigation

Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.



The NHS constitution was launched on 21 January 2009. It was one of a number of proposals in Lord Darzi’s report ‘High Quality Care for All’, which was published on the 60th anniversary of the NHS and outlined a ten-year plan to provide the highest quality care for patients in England .


The constitution brings together in one place a number of rights, pledges and responsibilities for patients and staff alike, for the first time in the history of the NHS. As well as capturing the purpose, principles and values, the constitution states what patients, staff and the public can expect from the NHS.




The following page sections include static unchanging site components such as the page banner, useful links and copyright information. Return to the top of page if you want to start again.


Page Extras

Text view | Accessibility | Site map | Help | Contact us

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner


End of page. You can return to the page content navigation from here.