Gordon Brown hails NHS constitution as momentous day
Gordon Brown has today signed the first constitution for the NHS which effectively ends an era of "doctor knows best". The legally binding document will give patients a number of rights and crystallise the responsibilities which NHS staff and doctors have with regard to patient care. The new constitution is set to last 10 years and is being hailed as the future of the NHS and a momentous day in its history.
In effect the constitution will take away the rights of doctors to administer an array of medicines without actually explaining to patients any possible alternatives. Controversially the constitution will also include a patient's right to funding for any particular drug treatment which may or may not be on the NHS approved list. The obligation for primary care trusts to make a "rational" decision on funding issues would appear to be a step in the right direction although opposition parties claim the whole issue is "toothless".
There are also other commitments to patients and staff which include a commitment to a cleaner and safe environment, screening for various bugs and an overall improvement in hygiene. Whether or not these new legal rights and pledges will make a long-term difference to NHS care in the UK remains to be seen.
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