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.