Patient Charter

Patient's Rights

Patients have a right to:

• know that they should receive quality health care and service in keeping with recognised standards and practices
  
• be treated with dignity, privacy and respect cognisant with religious and cultural practices
  
• prompt and courteous treatment an explanation from their doctor of their illness or condition; of what treatment is proposed; the risks involved and what, if any, alternative treatment is available and the results and meaning of tests or examinations
• have involvement in decisions relating to their care and treatment
  the names and professional status of any person providing care to them
  information about the drugs they are receiving, their uses and anticipated side effects
  
• refuse any investigations, treatment or surgery. In most cases patients have the right to leave the Hospital against medical advice. The patient will be asked to sign a disclaimer. The responsibility for such action rests entirely with the patient
• know the likely length of treatment, including time in hospital
  
• know estimated ut of pocketexpenses
  
• be consulted and provided with information for their ongoing care
  
• ask for an interpreter if they have difficulty speaking English
  
• seek a second medical opinion
  
• have a friend, relative, advocate or other helper with them at a doctors consultation
  
• confidentiality of personal and medical information
  
• refuse to be questioned or examined by students
  
• decide whether they will accept visitors and how long they will stay.

Patient Responsibilities

Patients have a responsibility to:

• provide the necessary information (physical and psychological conditions, other treatment they are undergoing or medications) to their Doctor and Hospital staff to enable them to provide the care or treatment necessary
  
• let their doctor know if they are unsure or unhappy about any aspect of treatment or that they choose not to follow advice given
  
• tell their doctor if they wish to seek a second opinion
  
• inform their doctor in advance of any difficulties facing them in arranging care for dependents whilst they are in hospital
  
• in conjunction with hospital staff if necessary, make appropriate arrangements for post-discharge care
  
• not to stay longer than is clinically necessary
  
• cooperate in the process of the provision of care and to report any changes in their condition to the Nursing Staff or their Doctor
  
• show consideration for other patients and staff by adhering to the Hospital visiting hours and advising their family and friends likewise; by observing the no Smoking and Mobile Phone rules of the Hospital; by keeping the volume of televisions and radios to a minimum or by using earphones which are available from the Nurses station
  
• pay their accounts promptly.