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.
15 guides in this section
Popular guides
View all 15Your 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.
NHS 18-Week Waiting List Right
Your statutory right under the NHS Constitution and Standing Rules Regulations 2012 to start treatment within 18 weeks — and what to do when it is breached.
PHSO: NHS Complaint Final Stage
How the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman investigates NHS complaints once local NHS procedure is exhausted.
Prescription Exemption Certificates
HC2/HC3 low-income certificates, Medical Exemption (MedEx), Maternity, and the Prepayment Certificate explained.
NHS Dentist Access Rights
Your rights in the NHS dental access crisis — the three charge bands, urgent care via NHS 111, and ICB complaint route.
GP Removal from Practice List
When a GP can remove you, the 8-day notice procedure, and how to challenge an unreasonable removal.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a formal complaint about NHS treatment?
Can I see a different GP if mine refuses to treat me?
Who gets free NHS prescriptions?
What is the NHS waiting time target?
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