Your responsibilities
The NHS belongs to all of us. There are things that we
can all do for ourselves and for one another to help it work
effectively, and to ensure resources are used
responsibly:
You should recognise that you can make a
significant contribution to your own, and your family’s, good
health and well-being, and take some personal responsibility for
it.
You should register with a GP practice – the
main point of access to NHS care. You should treat NHS staff and
other patients with respect and recognise that causing a nuisance
or disturbance on NHS premises could result in prosecution.
You should provide accurate information about
your health, condition and status.
You should keep appointments, or cancel within
reasonable time. Receiving treatment within the maximum waiting
times may be compromised unless you do.
You should follow the course of treatment which
you have agreed, and talk to your clinician if you find this
difficult.
You should participate in important public
health programmes such as vaccination.
You should ensure that those closest to you are
aware of your wishes about organ donation.
You should give feedback – both positive and
negative – about the treatment and care you have received,
including any adverse reactions you may have had.