Brown signs new NHS constitution

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The document sets out what patients can expect from the NHS, including access to approved drugs, information about treatment in advance and a service based on need rather than ability to pay.

Patients are told they have the right to choose a GP practice and to be accepted by that practice "unless there are reasonable grounds to refuse", in which case an explanation should be given.

They also have the right to ask for the doctor of their choice and for the practice to try to meet that need.

Anyone facing undue delay for NHS treatment in the UK will be able to apply to have treatment in European Economic Area countries or Switzerland.

The Constitution, which has cost just over £1 million to produce, also sets out the rights of staff and says patients should take responsibility for their own health.

This includes registering with a GP, keeping appointments, participating in vaccination programmes and recognising the "significant contribution" patients make to their own and their family's health.

Mr Brown and Health Secretary Alan Johnson signed a copy of the Constitution in a ceremony at Downing Street attended by NHS staff and representatives from the healthcare sector.

Mr Brown said the signing marked a "momentous day in the 61st year of the health service".

Mr Johnson said he was "very proud" of the document, which contained "the poetry as well as the prose".