We Asked, You Said, We Did

Whether we should make changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, to allow schools to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors, without a named individual prescription, for use in emergencies.

Over 500 people responded to the consultation. There was overwhelming support for the proposals. 533 respondents supported the proposals to allow schools to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors, without a named individual prescription, for use in emergencies. A summary of the consultation responses was published on GOV.UK on 6 July 2017 and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/allowing-schools-to-hold-spare-adrenaline-auto-injectors

The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 were published on 5 July 2017 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/uksi/2017/715.) These Regulations amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and will allow schools to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors, without a named individual prescription, for use in emergencies. The revised regulations will come into effect on 1 October 2017. From this date onwards, schools will be able to buy adrenaline auto-injectors, without a prescription, for use in emergencies from a pharmaceutical supplier in small quantities provided it is done on an occasional basis and is not for profit.

How the NHS Constitution could be updated to better reflect changes to policy, and therefore make the NHS Constitution more meaningful to patients and staff. These changes included reflecting; • a more transparent and accessible NHS; • Sir Robert Francis QC’s recommendations from his Inquiry Report; • a series of fundamental standards; • a greater prominence on mental health; and • the Armed Forces Covenant.

Overall you agreed with our proposals. You often highlighted the importance of their inclusion in a revised version of the NHS Constitution, particularly in light of the failings at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. However, at times you felt that we could improve the clarity of certain additions, and provide further information on what each addition entails.

We have published our Government response outlining amendments made to the proposals as a result of the public consultation, alongside updated versions of both the NHS Constitution, and Handbook to the NHS Constitution. Where applicable, we have explained the rationale behind each amendment, and provided further clarity and information on each addition within the Handbook.

How the White Paper commitments might be implemented - seeking views on: • proposals to extend choice of provider and treatment in planned hospital care, maternity, mental health, end of life and long term conditions. • what needs to be done to achieve a culture change and make shared decision-making the norm • the information, support and infrastructure needed to achieve the vision of informed, empowered patients making personal choices

The majority of respondents approved our broad proposals for extending choice and control and generally agreed with proposals to encourage and extend advance care planning and personal care planning. A recurring theme was the need to give patients appropriate information and support in order for them to make an informed choice. Patient and patient-groups stated that there was a need for healthcare professional culture to change to ensure "no decision about me, without me" becomes a reality

We have published Liberating the NHS: Greater Choice and control - A summary of responses. This includes detailed feedback from patients, the wider public, third sector and other organisations, healthcare professionals and the NHS. The feedback has informed a shorter, further consultation, Liberating the NHS: No decision about me, without me - Further consultation on proposals to secure shared decision-making. Documents available at http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/05/choice-consultation