Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 2008. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 21 February 2008, Official Report, column 962W, on the NHS, on what specific elements of the constitution his Department is considering whether it is appropriate to legislate; and what elements of the constitution his Department is not proposing to enshrine in legislation.

Answer: The NHS Constitution is a 'declaratory document' and will not be enshrined in legislation. However, we intend to legislate to place a legal duty on all national health service organisations to take account of the Constitution when performing their functions, and on the Secretary of State to renew the Constitution every 10 years.The draft NHS Constitution and the Government's proposals are open for public consultation until 17 October 2008. The details, including how to feed in views, are available on the Department's website at:"www.dh.gov.uk/consultations"

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 479 c537W;479 c535W; 216938
Session: 2007-08
Related items: NHS
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: NHS Patients' rights
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk