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From: David
Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive [mailto:news@nhs.net]
Sent: 21 January 2009 20:28
To: peter.winocour@nhs.net
Subject: Message from David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive
Dear colleague,
I am delighted to share
with you today the first NHS Constitution for England, a landmark in the
history of the NHS. It has been created through a collaborative approach of
consultation, discussion and research with many of you, as well as patients,
public and stakeholders.
The Constitution
represents a commitment that all staff should have rewarding and worthwhile
jobs, with the freedom and confidence to act in the interest of patients. To
do this, you need to be trusted and actively listened to. You must be
treated with respect at work, have the tools, training and support to
deliver care, and opportunities to develop and progress.
The NHS Constitution
enables us for the first time to publish in one place what staff, patients
and the public can expect from the NHS. It sets out the purpose, principles
and values of the NHS, as well as bringing together a number of rights,
pledges and responsibilities for all staff and patients. It will help give
all of us the confidence that the NHS can meet the challenges of the future
on the basis of a shared understanding and common purpose. You can read the
Constitution and associated documents by following this link:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/NHSConstitution/index.htm
Subject to
Parliamentary approval, all NHS bodies, and private and third-sector
providers supplying NHS services – and all those working for them - will be
required by law to take account of the Constitution in their decisions and
actions.
During this time, I’d
ask you to familiarise yourself with both your own rights and pledges and
those of patients, so that you are ready for discussions with patients later
in the year when we begin a programme of engagement with them and the wider
public.
My hope is that the
Constitution will form the basis of a new relationship between staff and
patients – a relationship based on partnership, respect and shared
commitment – where all parties know what they can expect from the NHS and
what is expected from them.
To reflect the way the
Constitution was created, Secretary of State and I have marked this special
occasion this morning by signing a commemorative copy of the Constitution in
the presence of a number of staff, patients and stakeholders in a ceremony
at 10 Downing Street. Many of you have played a role in the development of
this document and I would like to thank you all for your contribution.
Ministers and I were delighted that this morning’s ceremony was witnessed by
both staff and patients.
As a valued member of
NHS staff, you will play a crucial role in embedding the Constitution within
your organisation, to help realise our ambition that it becomes an integral
part of the NHS fabric. I look forward to continuing to work with you to
help ensure that the NHS remains an organisation of which we can all be
proud.
David Nicholson CBE
NHS Chief Executive |
