7 Principles of the NHS
These are the 7 principles of the NHS, as stated in Englands’ NHS Constitution. It was first written in 2009, and last updated in January 2021.
1. The NHS provides a comprehensive service, available to all
The NHS is available to all irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity or marital or civil partnership status.
The service is designed to improve, prevent, diagnose and treat both physical and mental health problems, with equal regard. It has a duty to each and every individual that it serves and must respect their human rights.
2. Access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay
NHS services are free of charge, except in limited circumstances sanctioned by Parliament.
3. The NHS aspires to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism
It provides high quality care that is safe, effective and focused on patient experience. In provides support, education, training and development for its staff.
And through its commitment to innovation and research, it improves the current and future health of the population.
4. The patient will be at the heart of everything the NHS does
It should support individuals to promote and manage their own health. NHS services must reflect the needs and preferences of patients, their families and their carers.
As part of this, the NHS will ensure that in line with the Armed Forces Covenant, those in the armed forces, their families and veterans are not disadvantaged in accessing health services in the area they reside.
5. The NHS works across organisational boundaries
It works in partnership with other organisations in the interest of patients, local communities and the wider population. The NHS is an integrated system of organisations and services bound together by the principles and values reflected in the Constitution.
6. The NHS is committed to providing best value for taxpayers’ money
It is committed to providing the most effective, fair and sustainable use of finite resources. Public funds for healthcare will be devoted solely to the benefit of the people that the NHS serves.
7. The NHS is accountable to the public, communities and patients that it serves
The NHS is a national service funded through national taxation. And it is the government which sets the framework for the NHS and which is accountable to Parliament for its operation.
However, most decisions in the NHS, especially those about the treatment of individuals, are rightly taken by the local NHS and by patients with their clinicians.
Summary
We have described the 7 principles of the NHS. They are as valid now as they were when the NHS started in 1948. Should they be set in stone? Or does adhering to them too closely mean we close our eyes to other potentially better healthcare systems? What do you think?
Other resources
There is more about the NHS Constitution here.
Last Reviewed on 14 March 2024