
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Our commitment to you -
• To provide a universal service for all based on clinical need, not ability to pay.
• To provide a wide range of services.
• To work continuously to improve quality services and to minimize errors.
• Public funds for health care will be devoted solely to NHS patients.
• To work together with others to ensure a seamless service for patients.
• To help keep people healthy and work to reduce health inequalities.
• To respect the confidentiality of individual patients and provide open access to information about services, treatment and performance.
Your Commitment to the NHS
The NHS will work better if you use the service responsibly:
• Do what you can to look after your own health, and follow advice on a healthy lifestyle
• Care for yourself when appropriate. (for example, you can treat yourself at home for common ailments such as coughs, colds and sore throats.)
• Give blood if you are able, and carry an organ donor card or special needs card or bracelet.
• Listen carefully to advice on your treatment and medication. Tell the doctor about any treatments you are already taking.
• Treat NHS staff, fellow patients, carers and visitors politely, and with respect. We will not accept violence, racial, sexual or verbal harassment.
• Keep your appointment or let the GP, dentist, clinic or hospital know as soon as possible if you cannot make it Book routine appointments in plenty of time.
Return any equipment that is no longer needed. Pay NHS prescription charges and any other charges promptly when they are due and claim financial benefits or exemptions from these charges correctly.