NAVCA has responded to the consultation on the NHS constitution.
The consultation outlines and asks for comments on an extension of
rights members of the public will have to a variety of NHS
services.
Organisations that provide local community services on behalf of
the NHS will have to take notice of the constitution and the rights
to services set out within it. NHS services are increasingly being
delivered by local third sector organisations and therefore, once
agreed, the constitution will be relevant to a large number of
organisations. As NAVCA's members have connections with a large
number and range of patient groups in local areas, they are ideally
placed to help promote awareness of these new rights, how patients
will be able to use them and what they should do if things go
wrong.
NAVCA, in its response, makes specific recommendations about the
proposed rights outlined in the consultation document. The response
also particularly highlights the implications for the third sector
and, where possible, specific implications and roles for NAVCA
members.
For more information on the constitution and its implications
contact Jon Burke.
18 February 2010