How Does The Nhs Constitution Affect The Practice Of The Ambulance Crew

There are many different policies, legislations and reports that affected the practice of the ambulance crew, specifically the paramedic and student paramedic.
NHS Constitution and the 6Cs- Created in March 2011, the NHS Constitution is a set of guiding principles, and values for all aspects of the NHS and its staff to follow. The aim is to provide the best experience to everyone that encounters the service, whether that is patients, staff, or their family/friends. The key principle of the NHS Constitution, is that they “provides a comprehensive service, available to all” (Department of Health, 2015), meaning that nobody can be discriminated against for any reason, whether that be with their access to treatment, or with the quality of the

A piece of legislation was created in 2005, with the purpose to allow clinicians to make decisions for the patient, when it is deemed that they haven’t got the ability to think clearly or understand information that is being presented to them, whether that is permanently or temporarily. Whilst this is the case, different levels of capacity are required for different decisions, so a patient cannot be “deprived of their liberty” (SCAS, 2010, 5) and all decision made in the best interest of the patient must be the “least restrictive alternative” (SCAS, 2010, 7.1). This means that these decisions cannot cause the patient to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or be detrimental to their health. Until proven otherwise, everyone is assumed to have capacity to make a decision. There are a variety of reasons that affect a patient’s capacity; neurological conditions (eg. dementia etc), head/brain trauma (eg. concussion etc) learning disabilities, effects of hypoxia, the effects of alcohol or substance use, amongst others (SCAS, 2010, 7.1). A person cannot be categorised as not able to make a decision, until all steps to assist them to make a decision have been exhausted. If capable, everyone has the right to make a decision that could be deemed “unwise” (Mental Capacity Act, 2005), even if

Similarly, all clinicians need to gain consent from nearly every patient, either verbal or non-verbal, unless in an immediately life-threatening condition. To refuse consent, a patient has to have all information presented to them by the clinician including; the risks they may face, other alternatives to the initial treatment plan and likelihood of success (SCAS, 2016, 5.3). Consent given by a patient under unfair pressure from a friend/family member or clinician, is not considered consent as it is not the patient’s decision. If a valid consent has been given, then a patient is entitled to withdraw their consent at any time. If a patient lacks capacity to give consent, and has no nominated person with Lasting Powers of Attorney, then no one can give consent on their behalf (SCAS, 2016,