Launch of First NHS Constitution
21st January
2009
Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal
College of Practitioners, said:
"The NHS is based on a partnership between
patients and clinicians and the Constitution sets out patients'
rights and responsibilities in a clear way for the first
time. By stating that patients have a responsibility to
register with a GP practice, it reinforces the central role of the
GP and the importance of continuity of care in the NHS today and in
the future.
"We become GPs because we want to help people
improve the quality of their lives through better healthcare. GPs
want to provide the solutions and lead improvements and
innovations. Having the Constitution in place will help us improve
standards and care for all our patients, whoever and wherever they
are.
"The new NHS Constitution is something which
all GPs, their practice teams and NHS staff can commit to and have
confidence in. I’m convinced that it will be an important, defining
point in the development of our NHS."
For a word document version of
this press statement, click
here
For more information please contact the RCGP
Press Office.
Press Office: 020 7344 3136
Out of hours: 07885 958 632
Email: press@rcgp.org.uk