The patient's charter--its implications for surgery.

In recent years charters have become fashionable; we now have charters issued by the Water Board, London Electricity, British Rail, a Patient's Charter from April '94, a Childbirth Charter, and many more. They all promise to give a better all-round quality of service to the public and the Patient's Charter is no exception. This document is a central part of the government's programme to improve and modernise the delivery of the NHS service to the public while continuing to reaffirm the fundamental principles of the NHS. Aneurin Bevan's dream of free health care for all citizens of this country became a reality in 1948 and, for over 30 years, it was the envy of the world. Patients had good reason to be grateful for the speed with which they were admitted to hospital and the high standard of care they received.