Patients’ Rights & Responsibilities

As a patient in our Hospital, we encourage you to be informed of your rights and responsibilities.

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT WHILE IN OUR CARE.

You have the right to:

• A quality, personalised health service focused on maximising your health outcomes.
• Information on what services are available to you in this hospital.
• The use of an interpreter service if needed.
• A clear explanation of:
  • your condition, problem or disease
  • any planned treatment or investigation
  • any alternative procedures available
  • possible side effects or after effects, adverse outcomes and any risks involved
  • information regarding your hospital account regardless of payment source.
• Withdraw your consent and refuse treatment to the extent provided by law.
• Be treated without bias, regardless of your race, creed, sex, national origin, sexual identity or beliefs.
• Meet with and communicate privately with people of your choice and to send and receive personal mail unopened.
• Participate in activities of social, religious and community groups as direction permits unless medically contraindicated.
• Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing care and service to you.
• Have the detail of your hospitalisation kept confidential by the hospital and staff except where you have authorised disclosure or the law states otherwise.
• Privacy whilst undergoing treatment, examination and discussions regarding your care, therefore respect the privacy rights of other patients.
• Expect reasonable safety and comfort.
• Be informed about the health care system, including the extent of insurance coverage for services, supplementary costs, the means of referral to other health and social facilities and services in the community.
• Access your medical record in accordance with relevant legislation and hospital policy.
• As in the case of all medical treatment you are entitled to ask for a second opinion, however this may be impractical in an emergency situation.
• Resources and support for people with special needs will be met appropriately.

Your responsibilities:

• It helps to be informed about your condition and treatment. Please ask questions if you are unsure or do not understand something.
• You have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about your present condition, past illness, hospitalisation, medication and any other matters relating to your health.
• It is in your interest to comply with prescribed treatment or care. If you do not intend to do this, inform your doctor, nurse or therapist. You will be responsible for your actions if you do not follow the prescribed care or refuse any treatment.
• You should keep follow up appointments or advise those concerned if this is not possible.
• You are required to comply with hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct. Try to be well informed about hospital procedures. Always feel free to ask questions of our staff.
• Your financial obligations should be promptly fulfilled unless suitable arrangements are made.
• Please show consideration for other patients, staff and property of the hospital.

All medications, provided by the hospital or bought in by you, need to be locked in a drawer at all times and dispensed by a nurse.