"The NHS Constitution is a seminal document and is unique to our health service. Its represents a commitment to patients and staff to drive improvements, and to resolve issues quickly and effectively when things go wrong.

"We need to use the constitution in the right way to make it effective, and more accessible to staff and patients. It is really encouraging that the Government is placing an equal emphasis on the importance of people's mental health as well as physical health.

"These proposed changes rightly acknowledge the importance of full transparency when people's care is not up to the highest standards.

"Used in the right way, the constitution can help trigger a major cultural shift in the way the NHS thinks about dignity and person-centred care. It cannot do this on its own, but it can play a major part in making it happen.

"These proposed changes take on board many of the recommendations put forward by our joint Dignity Commission and recognise the benefits of putting greater emphasis on involving patients in decisions about the care they receive.

"We have to work with patients to shape services around their needs. We need to listen to patients and their families and carers to learn from their experiences and improve the services and care we provide."