Expert group is to examine the effect and value of the NHS constitution

The government has set up a new independent group of experts to examine what effects the NHS Constitution has had in England, with a view to “strengthening” it and “revitalising” rights.

The NHS Future Forum Working Group on the NHS Constitution met for the first time on 8 March as the government added new duties to the constitution for NHS staff to raise concerns about poor care.

Chaired by the head of the Future Forum, Steve Field, the 27 strong group includes health and social care professionals and representatives of charities, patients’ groups, trade unions, and the private sector.

It includes Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the British Medical Association, Stephen Thornton, chief executive of the Health Foundation, and Vivienne McVey, commercial director of Virgin …