Navigating the NHS as a patient

At Immunodeficiency UK, we believe that everyone living with a primary or secondary immunodeficiency should feel informed, empowered and respected throughout their journey with the NHS.

This page will help you understand your rights.

Even though healthcare is devolved across the UK, the principles of dignity, fairness and patient involvement apply across all four nations.

Your rights as an NHS patient in England

The NHS Constitution for England sets out the principles, values, pledges and rights that guide everything the NHS does.

• The NHS provides a comprehensive service that is available to everyone, regardless of background, identity or circumstance. It addresses both physical and mental health equally and is committed to reducing health inequalities while respecting human rights.
• NHS services are provided free at the point of use and are based on clinical need, not the individual’s ability to pay, except in limited cases approved by Parliament.
• The NHS strives for high standards in care. It promotes compassion and dignity, knowing these values improve patient outcomes.
• Patients are central to everything the NHS does. Care is shaped around individual needs and preferences, and people are supported in managing their own health. Feedback is encouraged and used to drive improvement.
• The NHS works with public, private and voluntary sectors to improve health outcomes and serve communities effectively.
• The NHS ensures fair, effective and sustainable use of public funds, focusing spending solely on benefiting patients.
• Funded by taxpayers, the NHS is accountable to the public. While the government sets the framework for the NHS, local NHS bodies and clinicians make decisions in partnership with patients, ensuring transparency and responsibility.

Read more: NHS Constitution for England (GOV.UK)

Your rights as an NHS patient in Scotland

Scotland follows the Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities, which outlines your entitlements when receiving NHS care. These include:

• You have the right to receive timely, person-centred care that is safe, effective and delivered by the appropriate professional.
• You must be treated fairly and equally, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexuality, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief. Your location or health needs should never impact access to care.
• You, your carers and NHS staff all have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and care when using services.
• Your needs, values, beliefs and understanding should be respected. You have the right to ask whether a treatment is suitable for you and to explore alternatives.
• While your preferences will be considered, the NHS must also take into account clinical judgment, the needs of other patients and efficient use of resources.
• Most NHS services are free, including those from GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and emergency services, and routine eye and dental exams.

Read more: Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Your rights as an NHS patient in Wales

Wales does not have a single NHS constitution but follows several key documents and laws, including the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 and the Values and Standards of Behaviour Framework. These support principles such as:

• Putting quality and safety above all else: always providing high-value, evidence-based care for patients
• Integrating improvement into everyday working, and eliminating harm, variation and waste
• Focusing on prevention, health improvement and inequality as key to sustainable development, wellness and wellbeing for future generations of the people of Wales
• Working with partners, staff and organisations to provide patients with the best outcomes
• Investing in staff through training and development, enabling them to influence decisions and providing them with the tools, systems and environment to work safely and effectively.

Read more: NHS (Wales) Act 2006

Values and Standards of Behaviour Framework

Your rights as an NHS patient in Northern Ireland

The NHS Constitution outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients, staff and the public within the NHS. While the NHS in Northern Ireland is part of the broader UK NHS system, it has its own specific governance and legal framework. Therefore, while the core principles of the NHS Constitution apply, the specifics may differ from England. Northern Ireland adheres to the Five Standards for Patient Care.

Respect: Staff will treat you as an individual, listening to and respecting your wishes, involving you in decisions and tailoring care to your needs.

Attitude: You’ll be met with a friendly, non-judgemental and compassionate approach from staff who are welcoming and ready to help.

Behaviour: Staff will be polite, use your preferred name, respect your personal space, seek consent (when required) and welcome your feedback.

Communication: Information will be clear, accurate and easy to understand. Staff will listen closely, involve your family when appropriate and ensure all key details are properly recorded.

Privacy and dignity: Your modesty, cultural values and confidentiality will always be respected and protected to ensure you feel safe, comfortable and cared for.

Your experience matters: If you’re unhappy with your care, you have the right to raise your concerns confidentially. Complaints are taken seriously and will never affect the quality of your care.

Read more: Patient Standards Northern Ireland

Posted 24^th July 2025