Responsibilities - what this means in practice

1. You should recognise that you can make a significant contribution to your own, and your family's, good health and well-being, and take some personal responsbility for it

What this means in practice:
You can talk to your doctor, nurse (including health visitors and midwives) or therapist, use NHS Direct (online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or telephone 0845 46 47), or go online at NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk). You can ask about what support you might be offered in managing your condition yourself or changing to a healthy lifestyle (e.g stopping smoking, reducing weight, exercise or reducing excessive alcohol consumption).

2. You should register with a GP practice - the main point of access to NHS care

What this means in practice:
To find out where you can register, you can telephone or write to your local primary care trust (the organisation that organises healthcare in your locality), telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go online at NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk)

3. You should treat NHS staff and other patients with respect and recognise that causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises could result in prosecution

What this means in practice:
Patients have a right to be treated with respect and dignity in all their dealings with the NHS, but it is equally important that they treat NHS staff with respect in return and do not cause a nuisance or disturbance.

4. You should provide accurate information about your health, condition and status

What this means in practice:
The delivery of safe and effective care is reliant on good quality information. Patients are responsible for ensuring that information about them is accurate and up to date.

5. You should keep appointments, or cancel within reasonable time. Receiving treatment within the maximum waiting times may be compromised unless you do

What this means in practice:
If you cannot make your planned appointment, please contact your doctor, nurse or therapist as soon as you can to let them know. This might make it possible for your appointment to be offered to somebody else.

6. You should follow the course of treatment which you have agreed, and talk to your clinician if you find this difficult

What this means in practice:
You should follow the course of treatment that you have agreed with your doctor, nurse or therapist wherever possible. You can ask your doctor/ nurse/ therapist to explain to you what your treatment options are, what the most appropriate treatment is and why. Where required, a written care plan can also be requested.

7. You should participate in important public health programmes such as vaccination

What this means in practice:
Your doctor, nurse or therapist will advise you of the benefits and risks of vaccination programmes appropriate to you and other services designed to improve your health.

8. You should ensure that those closest to you are aware of your wishes about organ donation

What this means in practice:
You can find out more about organ donation and how to become a donor at www.uktransplant.org.uk

9. You should give feedback - both positive and negative - about the treatment and care you have received, including any adverse reactions you may have had

What this means in practice:
The Department of Health will ensure that all NHS organisations provide an opportunity to give feedback on the NHS care that you receive. This might be through national, local and/or practice surveys, complaints, or through the formal grievance processes.