If a patient is treated on a date after their 18 Week RTT date was due, this is classed as a ‘breach’ of the standards. It is really important to know that a patient does not breach until they are treated e.g. if a patient is referred to Hospital on 1.2.2013 the date they must be treated by is 7.6.2013 if the patient is treated after this date they will breach in the month that they are treated.

If you are searching for information regarding your 'rights' as a patient of the NHS, you have found the right website. It is important for you to understand what your rights are, but also what the NHS expect of you as a patient. Being a patient of the NHS is a two way partnership and you should play your part. In this section of our website we will inform you of;

• Your rights as a patient of the NHS
• Who is qualified to treat you
• The length of time that you should expect to wait to receive your treatment
• What to do if you don’t receive your treatment within the published timescales

• The National Health Service came into being on 5th July 1948 to provide high-quality healthcare that is free and for everyone.
• In June 2008, Lord Darzi stated that patients should be treated within 18 Weeks from the date of their referral from a General Practitioner.
• In January 2009 the NHS Constitution was published which officially gives patients their legal right to be treated within 18 Weeks.
• The Constitution brought together the principles, values, rights and responsibilities that underpin the NHS.
• No Government can change the Constitution without full involvement of staff, patients and the public.
• The Constitution will be reviewed every ten years.
• The Handbook to the Constitution will be reviewed at least every three years.
• The Constitution is a promise that the NHS will always be there.

The NHS Constitution states; You have the right to access services within maximum waiting times, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of suitable alternatives. Maximum waiting time has been defined as 18 Weeks from Referral to Treatment (RTT).

1) The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all. Irrespective of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation religion or belief.