Patient's Rights & Responsibilities

Author: Sue Piggott

Publishing date: 22 August 2005 6:43pm

Patients Rights:

• The Board of Directors acknowledges that all patients and inpatients have the right to be treated with care, consideration and dignity.
• Patients are entitled to be treated respectfully and addressed by their individual and preferred name.
• Patients are entitled to have their personal information kept in confidentiality.
• Patients are normally entitled to have access to their medical records. (Written request for access should be addressed to the Executive Officer/Director of Nursing) - see Code of Fair Information Practice
• Patients are entitled to receive information in their native language and to have access to confidential interpreter services if required.
• The Board of Directors acknowledges that patients have the right and responsibility to take an active part in decision making which relates to their own medical condition and treatment.
• Patients are entitled to information concerning the identity, professional status and qualifications of health practitioners who attend them. They are also entitled to a second opinion, except in emergency situations where this may not be possible.
• Patients are entitled to clear, concise and understandable information concerning their condition and proposed treatment. Patients are entitled to be informed of the details of proposed treatment or investigation, including any possible side effects or after effects, the chances of success, any serious or unusual risks and any alternative procedures available.
• Patients are required to give their consent to any treatment or investigation but are entitled to withdraw the consent or refuse further treatment at any time.
• Patients are entitled to receive information concerning the costs of services.
• Patients are entitled to request that a Registered Nurse/Health Worker contact any relative, friend, solicitor, member of the clergy, social worker or any other person they may wish to consult concerning a problem.
• Patients or Guardians of patients may exercise any of the rights on behalf of their child or ward.
• Patients or Guardians of children who are patients are entitled to stay with their child at all times unless separation is necessary for medical reasons
• Patients have the right, wherever practicable not to have to wait too long before receiving treatment.
• Patients are encouraged to provide feedback of their treatment and to make suggestions for change in services.

Patient Responsibilities:

• Patients should participate in any decisions concerning their own medical treatment.
• Patients should provide nursing, medical and other relevant staff with information relating to their personal or family medical history, medications being used, any known allergies or any personal problems which may affect their recovery.
• Patients should try to keep themselves aware of matters relating to their own treatment and general hospital procedures. Please feel free to ask questions of staff as necessary.
• Patients should show consideration to other patients at the hospital and observe the hospital regulations relating to visitors, noise, etc.
• Patients should keep appointments made on their behalf and comply with any prescribed treatment (or notify their health practitioners if they do not intend to do so).
• Patients are required to give their consent to any treatment or investigation and are entitled to withdraw that consent or refuse further treatment at any time. However, patients are encouraged to make informed decisions concerning their own treatment and not change their minds unless there are good reason for doing so.
• Patients should inform their health practitioner if they are currently consulting or receiving treatment from another practitioner about the same complaint.
• Patients have the right (except in the case of some infectious diseases or psychiatric disorders) to leave the hospital at any time. However, where this is done without hospital or medical practitioner’s consent, patients will be responsible for any injury or illness caused or aggravated by that action.