Your Responsibilities

There are things that we can all do for ourselves and for one another to help the NHS work effectively, and to ensure resources are used responsibly.

• You should recognise that you can make a significant contribution to your own, and your family’s, good health and well-being, and take some personal responsibility for it.
• You should register with a GP practice – the main point of access to NHS care.
• You should treat NHS staff and other patients with respect and recognise that causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises could result in prosecution.
• You should provide accurate information about your health, condition and status.
• You should keep appointments, or cancel within reasonable time. Receiving treatment within the maximum waiting times may be compromised unless you do.
• You should follow the course of treatment which you have agreed, and talk to your clinician if you find this difficult.
• You should participate in important public health programmes such as vaccination.
• You should ensure that those closest to you are aware of your wishes about organ donation.
• You should give feedback – both positive and negative – about the treatment and care you have received, including any adverse reactions you may have had.