Healthcare Rights
NHS Constitution rights, informed consent, medical records, complaints, mental health, GP access, prescriptions, and emergency care under UK law.
NHS Constitution Rights
The NHS Constitution sets out your legal rights and pledges when using NHS services in England. Key rights include:Treatment within maximum waiting times: 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment (legal...
Right to Informed Consent
Before any medical treatment, you have the right to be fully informed and to give or withhold your consent. This means your doctor must explain:The nature of the proposed treatmentThe risks and benefi...
Medical Records Access
You have the legal right to see your medical records — including GP records, hospital records, mental health records, and test results.Key rules:You can make a Subject Access Request (SAR) under the U...
Right to Complain
If you are unhappy with NHS care, you have the right to complain and have your complaint investigated. The process has two stages:Local resolution: Complain directly to the NHS organisation (hospital,...
Mental Health Rights
The Mental Health Act 1983 governs when someone can be detained in hospital ("sectioned") for assessment or treatment of a mental disorder. Key sections:Section 2: Detention for assessment —...
GP Registration and Access
Everyone in England has the right to register with a GP and receive primary care services. Key facts:You can register with any GP practice — you do not have to live within their catchment area (though...
Prescription Charges and Exemptions
In England, the standard NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item (frozen for 2025/26). However, many people are exempt from charges:Under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education)60 and overPregnant o...
Emergency Care Rights
Everyone in the UK has the right to emergency treatment at an NHS Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, regardless of:Immigration statusWhether you are registered with a GPWhether you can payNational...