Turning Point responds to the Department of Health on the NHS Constitution
Turning Point has responded to the Department of Health on the NHS Constitution: A consultation on new patient rights.
The NHS Constitution, published in January 2010, brings together in one place what the NHS does, what it stands for and the commitments it should live up to. This is an evolving document with new rights being added all of the time.
This consultation asked for responses on two potential rights to be included regarding waiting times and NHS Health Checks. It also proposed three future entitlements to consider, namely: the right to evening and weekend access to GPs; access to NHS dentistry and the right for everyone to be offered a personal health budget.
Turning Point’s response focused on the need for improved access to GPs and dentists for the people we support – issues that have repeatedly been identified through the community engagement work our Connected Care team have undertaken.
“We need larger surgeries with more Doctors to ease the evergrowing population growth.” (Male, Brandon.)
“Staggered opening hours to allow full-time day workers easier access to surgery” (Female, Brandon)
‘Dentist – myself and children do not have one because we are NHS patients and cannot afford to pay.’ (Farnworth ward)
‘My family getting a dentist would be great but because we don’t pay for treatments, can’t get one.’ (Farnworth ward)
For more information on our response or on our model of Connected Care please contact the External Affairs team on 0207 481 7639.