Rights & Responsibilities

Whilst in our care, all patients shall have a right to:

• access treatment that has been agreed upon by the patient and the hospital regardless of race, creed and gender
• privacy of personal information
• be interviewed and examined in surroundings which ensure reasonable visual and auditory privacy
• expect that any discussion or consultation involving their treatment be conducted discreetly
• refuse to talk to anyone not officially connected to the hospital
• wear appropriate personal clothing and other items as long as they do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment
• considerate and respectful care at all times, under all circumstances and with recognition of personal dignity
• know the identity and professional status of individuals providing services and to know which health care provider is primarily responsible for their care
• obtain from the practitioner, complete and current diagnosis (to the degree that it is known). The information shall be communicated in terms the patient can be expected to understand
• consent, based on adequate information, to be obtained for anaesthesia and the procedure
• refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law
• information about the facility’s mechanism for initiation, review and resolution of patient complaints

Whilst patients have rights, they also have responsibilities. These include a responsibility to:

• provide, to the best of their knowledge and ability, accurate and complete information about past and present illnesses, medication and other matters relating to their health
• communicate whether or not they clearly comprehend their procedure and post procedure care and instructions
• follow the post procedure plan recommended by the practitioner, nurses or other allied health professional
• understand the consequences of their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the given instructions
• be considerate of the rights of other patients and staff
• be respectful of the property and health care facility

For further information please go to www.safetyandquality.gov.au to view the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.