The GHA launched its first ever constitution yesterday - a document that sets out the organisation’s main values, aims and responsibilities. The document covers the level of care and rights service users are entitled to and their corresponding obligations.

The Minister for Health Neil Costa said the constitution was the GHA’s commitment to “your health, care and well-being.”

He added: “The constitution is buttressed by the values of working together, excellence, compassion, accountability, respect and equality - together this spells ‘We Care’ which appositely describes how the GHA cares for its patients.”

Mr Costa said that the GHA welcomed both positive and negative feedback as part of the process of learning and improving the services offered.

Patient obligations include the voluntary participation in vaccination programmes, registering with a GP and treating staff members with respect.

Speaking at the launch yesterday morning, the GHA’s Medical Director Danny Cassaglia, said the document was “the foundation that should underpin and guide the GHA in everything that we do.”

Professor Derek Burke, the GHA’s Head of Clinical Governance, said that breaches of the constitution would be dealt with in a constructive manner with a shift away from blaming and towards learning from mistakes in conjunction with patients and families.

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