CONSULTATIONS

NHS Constitution: a consultation on new patient rights (10th November 2009)
The NHS Constitution brought together in one place what the NHS does, what it stands for and the commitments it should live up to. It describes and renews our commitment to the values and enduring principles of the NHS. It is also a living document that needs to reflect what matters and is relevant to the needs of patients, the public and staff in the 21st century.

This consultation proposes new patient rights to:

• treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from a GP referral and to be seen by a cancer specialist within 2 weeks from a GP referral, or where this is not possible, for the NHS to take reasonable steps to offer a range of alternative providers; and
• NHS Health Checks for those aged 40 to 74 to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease

Closing date for comments is 5th February 2010.
Consultation

Regulatory fees - have your say. Fees for National Health Service providers that are registered under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 from April 2010 (2nd November 2009)
From April 2010, NHS providers must pay fees for their registration with Care Quality Commission (CQC) under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This consultation document sets out the (CQC) proposals for an interim scheme of fees for NHS providers, while the registration system is being phased in during 2010-2011.

Closing date for comments is 26th January 2010.
Consultation