THE NHS needs your help!

This summer the NHS has produced a draft of a constitution for the health service which enshrines the principles and values of the NHS for the future.

Now the NHS wants to know what the people of West Devon and East Cornwall think of this constitution.

The first of its kind in the world, the constitution follows extensive discussions with staff, patients and the public over the last year.

It reaffirms the rights to NHS services, free of charge without discrimination of any kind.

For the first time, it will bring together in one place and clarify for staff and patients their rights and responsibilities to ensure the NHS operates fairly and effectively.

Paul Roberts, chief executive of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'The NHS belongs to us all. It cares for us as patients and in return, we need to care for it.

'I would urge everyone, whether they are a patient, a member of staff, or a member of the public — please get involved if you can.

'The NHS affects all of our lives and your views on the future of the health service are important.'

For patients, the constitution collects together important rights around access to drugs and treatments, health services, information, quality of care and environment, dignity and respect and complaint and redress.

The full NHS draft constitution can be found via the website http://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk">www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk