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Australian charter of healthcare rights

We fully support the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. The charter outlines the rights of patients and other people using the Australian health system.

Your rights

Access

  • Healthcare services and treatment that meets my needs

Safety

  • Receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards
  • Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes me feel safe

Respect

  • Be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect
  • Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected

Partnership

  • Ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication
  • Make decisions with my healthcare provider, to the extent that I choose and am able to Include the people that I want in planning and decision-making

Information

  • Clear information about my condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so I can give my informed consent
  • Receive information about services, waiting times and costs
  • Be given assistance, when I need it, to help me to understand and use health information
  • Access my health information
  • Be told if something has gone wrong during my health care, how it happened, how it may affect me and what is being done to make care safe

Privacy

  • Have my personal privacy respected
  • Have information about me and my health kept secure and confidential

Give feedback

  • Provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that I am treated
  • Have my concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way
  • Share my experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services

For more information ask a member of staff or visit safetyandquality.gov.au/your-rights

Your responsibilities

To help us to provide you the best possible care please:

  • Tell us about your illnesses and hospital visits, symptoms, medications, allergies and other health-related matters
  • Tell us about any religious or cultural beliefs and requirements
  • Treat everyone that you meet at our facilities with care and respect
  • Ask questions and talk to your family before making any decisions about your health care if relevant
  • Follow staff instructions regarding your treatment and care
  • Be aware that your care may need to be transferred to another hospital if required
  • Be on time for appointments and let your health service know if you need to cancel or reschedule, and notify us if your contact details change
  • Talk to your local doctor if your condition changes while on a waiting list for treatment
  • Treat all people you meet in the health service (staff, volunteers patients/clients, their families and aged care residents), with care, dignity and consideration
  • Respect the confidentiality and privacy of others.

Last updated 18 Jun 2020