Learn with Dr Dog – Series One: The NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution – Click on the blue title to view each film

NOTE: The NHS Constitution applies in England

Lesson 1 – Principle 1 The NHS is available to all without discrimination

Lesson 2 – Principles 2, 3, & 4

Principle 2- Access to the NHS is based on clinical need not the ability to pay.

Principle 3- The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.

Principle 4- The NHS aspires to put patients at the heart of everything it does.

Lesson 3 – Principles 5, 6 & 7

Principle 5 – The NHS works across organisational boundaries and in partnership with other organisations in the interests of patients, local communities and the wider population.

Principle 6- The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers money and the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources.

Principle 7- The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves.

Lesson 4 – Values : The patient comes first in all we do

Lesson 5 – Values : Respect and dignity

Lesson 6- Values: Commitment to quality of care

Lesson 7 – Values: Compassion

Lesson 8 – Improving health, well-being and people’s experience of the NHS

Lesson 9 – Values: Everyone counts

Lesson 10 – Rights (1): Right to receive NHS services free of charge

Lesson 11 – Rights (2): Right to access NHS services without discrimination

Lesson 12 – Rights (3) : Commissioning Rights

Lesson 13 – Rights (4): Right to NHS funded care in Europe

IMPORTANT: This film was made pre-Brexit but is included in the series for reference.

This right in the NHS Constitution now reads:

‘You have the right to authorisation for planned treatment in the EU under the UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement where you meet the relevant requirements.

You also have the right to authorisation for planned treatment in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Switzerland if you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and you meet the relevant requirements.’

Source: Department of Health and Social Care, Guidance The NHS Constitution for England, updated 1 January 2021

Further information about the right to healthcare in the EU post Brexit can be found in this update for the NHS Confederation.

Lesson 14 – Rights (5) – Right not to face discrimination in NHS care

Lesson 15 – Rights (6): Waiting Time Deadlines

Lesson 16 – Rights (7): Right to quality, safe, professional NHS Care

Lesson 17 – Rights (8): Right to a clean, safe, secure and suitable environment

Lesson 18 – Rights (9): Right to hydration and nutrition

Lesson 19 – Rights (10): Right to expect care to be safe, monitored and improved

Lesson 20 – Rights (11): Right to NICE recommended treatment

Lesson 21 – Rights (12): Right to rational local decisions

Lesson 22 – Rights (13): Right to vaccinations

Learn with Dr Dog films are created purely for educational and training purposes to give a quick overview of an aspect of healthcare law and ethics in a fun and accessible way. They are not intended and should not be used as a source of legal advice. If you have a particular legal question, advice should be sort from a suitably qualified and experienced legal professional.

There is information on how to identify a suitable lawyer at the bottom of our resources for Parents and Carers page.

Ads Foundation provides ‘Learn with Dr. Dog’ films free of charge for educational and training use, but encourages those who can afford to do so to make a donation to the AdsFoundation to support our work.

AdsFoundation can also create bespoke Learn with Dr Dog short films for your organisation. For this service we charge a fee calculated taking into consideration both our time and your organisation’s ability to pay. Please CONTACT US if you would like to discuss this option further.

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