Your NHS rights and how to use them

The NHS Constitution and the NHS Long Term Plan set out what patients are entitled to. This hub covers GP registration and access, NHS prescription and dental charges, the 18-week and cancer waiting-time standards, the patient's right to choose hospital and consultant under the NHS Choice Framework, access to medical records under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, second opinions, NHS complaints (provider then PHSO), free treatment for overseas visitors and Immigration Health Surcharge interactions, NHS Continuing Healthcare for long-term needs, mental health treatment under the Mental Health Act, and using the NHS App.

10 guides in this section

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Your Rights as an NHS Patient

The NHS Constitution, your right to choose, and how to enforce your patient rights.

How to Register with a GP

Eligibility, what to do if a practice refuses you, and the NHS App.

NHS Prescription Costs and Exemptions

Current £9.90 charge, who is exempt, and how a Prescription Prepayment Certificate can save money.

NHS Dental Charges and Bands

Bands 1-3, exemptions, and how to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients.

NHS Waiting Time Rights

The 18-week target, your right to choose, and how to escalate a long wait.

Accessing Your Patient Records

Use the NHS App or make a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act.

All guides in this section

Your Rights as an NHS Patient

The NHS Constitution, your right to choose, and how to enforce your patient rights.

How to Register with a GP

Eligibility, what to do if a practice refuses you, and the NHS App.

NHS Prescription Costs and Exemptions

Current £9.90 charge, who is exempt, and how a Prescription Prepayment Certificate can save money.

NHS Dental Charges and Bands

Bands 1-3, exemptions, and how to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients.

NHS Waiting Time Rights

The 18-week target, your right to choose, and how to escalate a long wait.

Accessing Your Patient Records

Use the NHS App or make a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act.

How to Complain About NHS Treatment

PALS, formal NHS complaints, and escalation to the PHSO.

Accessing NHS Mental Health Services

Self-referral routes including IAPT/NHS Talking Therapies, crisis teams, and CAMHS for under-18s.

Mixing Private and NHS Treatment

The separate-episode rule, what NHS top-ups are and are not allowed.

NHS Continuing Healthcare for Adults

The Decision Support Tool, primary health need test, and how to challenge a refusal.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a formal complaint about NHS treatment?
Start by contacting the GP practice, hospital, or trust directly within 12 months of the issue. If unresolved, you can escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) can help you raise concerns informally first.
Can I see a different GP if mine refuses to treat me?
Yes. You can register with any GP practice with capacity. A practice can only refuse you on reasonable grounds (such as not having capacity) and must give the reason in writing. NHS England can help if you cannot find a GP.
Who gets free NHS prescriptions?
You are exempt if you are under 16, 16-18 in full-time education, over 60, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or have certain medical conditions. People on Universal Credit (with low earnings), Income Support, JSA, ESA, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit are also exempt.
What is the NHS waiting time target?
The NHS Constitution gives you the right to start non-urgent consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral. If you wait longer, you can ask to be referred to a different provider with a shorter wait.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.