The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights provides information about the rights of patients in the public health system. As a patient, you have the right to:
Access
A right to health care. You have a fundamental right to adequate and timely care. Sometimes, this may not be in the facility you first attend, as not all services are necessarily available everywhere.
Safety
A right to safe and high-quality care. If you are unsure about what is happening to you or if you think something has been missed in your care, alert your health provider.
Respect
A right to be shown respect, dignity and consideration. You are entitled to receive care in a way that is respectful of your culture, beliefs, values and characteristics like your age and gender.
Communication
A right to be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a clear and open way. Healthcare providers will tell you about the care you are receiving and help you understand what is happening to you.
Participation
A right to be included in discussions and choices about care. You are encouraged to participate in decisions about your care.
Privacy
A right to privacy and confidentiality of provided information. You can see your records and ask for information to be corrected if it is wrong.
Comment
A right to have comment on care and having concerns addressed. Healthcare providers want to solve problems quickly, but they need to be told about the problem first. If you have any suggestions about how services could be improved, please let staff know or complete a Feedback Form.
For further information, please ask your nurse for a copy of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights brochure, or find it here.
What are your responsibilities?
We want to make sure you get the best possible care. To help us do this, we ask that you:
Give staff as much information as you can about your health and any beliefs that may affect your treatment
Tell staff if you are taking any medicine, recreational drugs or natural remedies.
Tell staff if someone else is treating you for the same condition.
Ask questions and talk to your family if you want to, before making any decisions about your health care.
Follow staff instructions for your treatment and care.
Tell staff about any problems you are having because of your treatment or the treatment that you need.
Be on time for appointments and let your health service know if you want to cancel, or if you change your contact details.
Talk to your local doctor if your condition changes while you are on a waiting list for treatment.
Treat all people you meet in the health service (staff, volunteers, patients/clients) with the respect and consideration we all deserve.
Advise staff if you are leaving the unit you have been admitted to, even for a short time.
Respect the confidentiality and privacy of others.
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