Date: 04/01/2010
NHS Lambeth encourages Lambeth people to have their say on these proposed new rights for NHS patients in the national consultation on the NHS Constitution that runs until Friday, 5 February.
Launched in January 2009, the NHS Constitution safeguards the principles and values of the NHS and sets out the rights and responsibilities of patients and staff.
It contains clear pledges for patients in areas such as a right to NHS approved drugs, if recommend by their doctor, to a clear explanation about all funding decisions for treatment and to make choices about NHS care.
Now the NHS wants to hear the public's views on whether to make two of the patient pledges set out in the NHS Constitution into legally enforceable patient rights:
- Treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from GP referral and to be seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks of a GP referral.
- NHS 'health checks' for people aged 40 to 74 to assess risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.
NHS Lambeth chair Caroline Hewitt says: "The NHS wants to hear your views about whether to make two of the patient pledges set out in the NHS Constitution into legally enforceable patient rights.
"In particular, we are asking your views about guarantees on waiting times and free health check for people aged between 40 and 74yrs.
"We want the NHS to be truly patient focused, and that's why we want patients and the public to share their views on these important patients' rights.
You can find out more about the consultation and complete the online questionnaire by clicking the link below.
Click here
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