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<p>In accordance with the Health Act 2009 we are currently reviewing the handbook
that accompanies the NHS Constitution and will publish a revised version in summer
2018. As the handbook is an explanatory document, and cannot alter the NHS Constitution
itself, this is a technical update that will bring the handbook up to date with policy
developments since it was last published in 2015. Changes will be based largely on
contributions provided from within the Department, from NHS England and from Public
Health England.</p><p>As we set out in response to recommendations on National Health
Service sustainability made by the House of Lords, we are looking particularly closely
at the section in the handbook that explains patient responsibilities in the NHS Constitution.
We will include a stronger statement about the role that patients and the public can
play in supporting NHS sustainability by looking after their own health, adopting
healthy behaviours, and making appropriate use of NHS resources. We will also point
out where there is further information on the NHS website.</p><p>When the revised
handbook is published, we will encourage NHS England, Public Health England and other
stakeholders – including Healthwatch England as the independent national champion
for people who use health and social care services – to promote it through their extensive
networks. We will also publicise it through the NHS Constitution Twitter and Facebook
accounts.</p>
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