What you should expect from the NHS

Doctor taking blood pressure of diabetes patient Living with a long-term condition such as diabetes can be difficult at times. It is important that you have access to the right information at the right time, and also the skills, equipment, and support you need to help you to look after your condition effectively.

The NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution explains what care everyone can expect to receive from the NHS and the rights you are entitled to. Below is a summary of these rights.

Access to healthcare

You have the right:

to receive NHS services free of charge
to access NHS services regardless of your race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation or, disability (this includes learning disability or mental illness) and not to be unlawfully discriminated against.

Quality of care

You have the right:

to be treated with a professional standard of care by appropriately qualified and experienced staff, in a properly approved or registered organisation
to receive high-quality care that is safe, effective and right for you
to be treated with dignity and respect, according to your human rights.

Information and choice

You have the right:

to be given information about your treatment in advance, including any risks or benefits, alternative treatments and the risks if you do nothing
to accept or refuse treatment offered to you, and not to be given any physical examination or treatment unless you have given valid consent
to privacy and confidentiality and to expect the NHS to keep your information safe and secure
to see your own health records
to ask for, and receive copies of, letters about your care
to make choices about your NHS care and access reliable and relevant information to support these choices depending on your needs
to be informed about the health services available to you.

Working together with your healthcare team

You have the right:

to be involved in discussions and decisions about your healthcare, and be given information to help you with this
to have your say in the planning of healthcare services
to the NHS working in partnership with you, your family and carers.

Complaints

You have the right:

to have any complaint you make about NHS services dealt with efficiently, to have it properly investigated and to know the outcome. More information on what to do if you have a complaint can be found in this section.

All people with a long-term condition such as diabetes should be offered choices and support in order to self-manage their condition and stay healthy.