Promotion of NHS to be governed by Department of Health code

NHS organisations and GPs are to be asked to self regulate the way they advertise their services to patients according to rules set by the Department of Health.

The consultation paper outlining a proposed code of conduct acknowledges that NHS policy increasingly promotes choice for patients. The code of conduct aims to ensure that service providers engage in “appropriate levels of promotional activity,” it says.

“Through promotional activity, providers will develop a better understanding of the needs and wants of patients and GPs,” said Patricia Hewitt, secretary of state for health, in …