YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOSPITAL PATIENT

 

• The right to receive medical advice and treatment which fully meets the currently accepted standards of care and quality.
• The right to information about which health care services are available, and what charges are involved.
• Protection from physical abuse or neglect.
• The right to be given a clear description of your medical condition, with diagnosis, prognosis (i.e. an opinion as to the likely future course of any illness) and of the treatment proposed including common risks and appropriate alternatives.
• The right to know the name of any medication prescribed, and its normal actions and potential side- effects considering your medical condition.
• The right to accept or refuse any medication, investigation or treatment, and to be informed of the likely consequences of doing so.
• The right to a second medical opinion.
• The right to have your privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs respected.
• The right to access the medical information that relates to your condition and treatment.
• The right to have information relating to your medical condition kept confidential.
• The right to make a complaint through channels provided for this purpose by the Hospital and to have any complaint dealt with promptly and fairly.

 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A HOSPITAL PATIENT

 

Medical care within a hospital environment is a partnership between patients and health care workers. Giving you the basic rights which we have just outlined above brings with it certain basic responsibilities.

 

• Give your health care providers as much information as you can about your present health, past illnesses, any allergies and any other relevant details.
• Follow the prescribed and agreed treatment plan, and conscientiously comply with the instructions given.
• Show consideration for the rights of other patients and health care providers by following the hospital rules concerning patient’s conduct.
• Keep any appointments that you make, or notify the hospital or clinic as early as possible if you are unable to do so.
• Do not ask health care providers to provide incorrect information, receipts or certificates.