Gordon Brown has announced he will press ahead with a constitution for the NHS in the health service's 60th year.

The legal document will set out the rights and responsibilities linked to entitlement to NHS care, said the Prime Minister.

Opponents say the constitution could see patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles being refused treatment.

Mr Brown also pledged the government will do all it can to cut hospital-acquired infections like MRSA and slash operation waiting times to 18 weeks.

In a New Year message to health workers, Mr Brown said: "I believe these are steps vital to securing the health of the NHS for the next 60 years.

"They will require a broadening and a deepening of reform to ensure that the NHS as a whole attaches the same priority to a personal and preventative service as many of you already reflect in your own day-to-day decisions."

He added: "I believe they will transform the experience of the NHS for millions of people in this country."

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