Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed proposed changes to the NHS Constitution, which he says will ‘empower patients’. The changes include making it easier for families of patients with a deteriorating condition to request a second opinion from outside their initial care team – known as Martha’s Rule. The proposal also includes patients’ rights to request that intimate care is carried out by someone of the same biological sex.
Speaking about the proposed changes, Mr Loder said: “The NHS Constitution is reviewed every 10 years, and it’s clear that changes need to be made to empower patients. I’m especially pleased that Martha’s Rule will be rolled out, which will make it easier to obtain a second opinion from medical professionals and improve patient safety.”
He added: “I’m also pleased to see, following my recent work to ensure proper safeguarding of our children and young people, that the NHS is committed to respecting and protecting the rights of patients’ biological sex.”
The public, NHS patients and staff can all submit their views to the consultation, which closes on the 25th June. To find out more, click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/nhs-constitution-10-year-review/nhs-constitution-10-year-review
