Media Release June 01 2008

Rights and responsibilities

What are your rights as a patient in a New South Wales public hospital? What are your responsibilities?

Most of us have never considered what we’re entitled to and we’re equally unfamiliar with what is expected from us in return.

Now is a good time to sort through the key facts so you’re ready if you or someone you know has to spend some time, planned or unplanned, in a hospital bed.

Let’s look at your rights first.

You have the right to be treated with care, consideration and dignity and to receive services that respect your culture, beliefs, gender and disability.

You are also entitled to know what services are available in hospitals and community health services so don’t be afraid to ask.
NB: your file (medical record) is the property of the hospital but you are entitled to apply for a copy.

As a patient you are entitled to:
• an interpreter to help you understand the services and treatment
• have the details of your condition and treatment kept confidential unless the law requires otherwise
• clear information about your condition, treatment, alternative procedures, possible side effects or risks
• information about Public vs. Private care

Except in an emergency or where the law says you must have treatment we need your consent before treatment begins. You can withdraw your consent at any time but it’s important that you discuss this with your healthcare team. We must tell you if your proposed treatment is experimental or part of medical research or teaching. You don’t have to take part to receive other appropriate treatment.

You are entitled to a mental health advocate and a copy of the rights for mental health patients if this is relevant.

You are entitled to ask for a second opinion except in emergency situations.

As a member of the health team you also have responsibilities. Accepting these responsibilities almost always mean better outcomes for your health.

1. Be considerate and respectful towards other patients and staff
2. Keep appointments or tell us when you can’t
3. Answer questions about your health honestly. Tell us if you are consulting or receiving treatment from someone else for the same condition.
4. Tell us if you decide not to follow the treatment offered, or if you decide to leave. Remember that sometimes the law says you may not be able to refuse treatment and you may not be able to leave.
5. Ask questions about your health care and treatment and discuss any problems or issues.
6. Don’t do anything that compromises the safety of other patients or staff.
7. Tell us if your religious or cultural beliefs make it difficult for you to have recommended treatment.

10 tips for safer health care

1. Be actively involved in your own health care.

2. Speak up if you have questions or concerns.

3. Learn more about your condition or treatments.

4. Keep a list of all the medicines you are taking.

5. Make sure you understand the medicines you are taking.
Read the label as well as warnings. Make sure it is what your doctor ordered for you. Ask about directions for use, possible side-effects or interactions and contraindications.

6. Get the results of tests or procedures.

7. Talk about your options if you need to go to hospital.

8. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery or a procedure.

9. Make sure you and your health care team agree on exactly what will be done.

10. Before you leave hospital, ask your health care professional to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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