The NHS has been holding a consultation  (ended 5th February, 2010)  on proposals to give patients new legal rights under the NHS Constitution.

The rights to be included would be:

• treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from a GP referral, and to be seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks from a GP referral.  Where this is not possible,  the NHS would be obliged to take reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers
• NHS Health Checks for those aged 40 to 74 to assess the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

We will post the results of this consultation when they are made known.

Click the link to view or download the NHS Constitution in full.