AlphaMED Resources · https://alphamedicine.uk/Resources/glossary/nhs-constitution

NHS Constitution

The NHS Constitution sets out the principles and values of the NHS in England.

Updated 13 October 2026 (1 minute read)

Summary

  • Seven key principles guide the NHS in all it does.
  • It names six values: working together for patients, respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, and everyone counts.

Interview questions

  • What is the NHS Constitution?
  • Which NHS value matters most to you, and why?
  • What should happen when two NHS values pull in different directions?

Sources

  1. GOV.UKgov.uk/…/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

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Cases that turn on it

Hong Kong A&E fee rise Autonomy On 1 January 2026 Hong Kong's public hospitals raised the A&E fee from HK$180 to HK$400 and made A&E free for the sickest patients. The aim was to move minor cases to clinics so that urgent patients are seen sooner. A&E in the NHS is free, and a former health secretary has argued for charging.

More NHS hot topics, medical ethics case studies and medical school interview questions are in AlphaMED Resources, which we add to and update through the application cycle.