PATIENTS are being asked for their views on the future of the NHS.
As part of the celebrations to mark 60 years of the national health service, people can help set the future agenda.
Residents can comment on a draft constitution, which sets the core values for the NHS.
The views of patients, the public, doctors and nurses will help form the future of health services.
Helena Corder, director of corporate services at NHS Kirklees, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for patients and the public to share their views on what should be included in the NHS constitution, which will be an important and powerful document to help them get the best quality care and set out the values and purpose of the NHS system.
“I hope that as many people as possible feed back their comments.”
The proposed NHS Constitution is being drafted to safeguard its core principles for the next generation.
It will also help set a clear direction for the future in terms of the services offered to patients over the next 60 years.
The constitution reaffirms patients rights to NHS services, free of charge and with equal access for all.
It also highlights the responsibilities of the staff in providing the services.
Over the coming months people will be invited to have their say on the constitution, which can be viewed at www.dh.gov.uk/consultations or by requesting a copy by writing to Jane Scott, Richmond House 911a, London, SW1A 2NS.
Alternatively, NHS Kirklees will be hosting two drop in sessions on October 7 and 9 at Gateway to Care Huddersfield and Dewsbury Minster respectively between 11am and 4pm.
The sessions will give people the chance to comment on the constitution and make their views known.
They will then by passed on to the organisers who will consider all comments before writing the complete constitution.
