Patients Rights and Responsibilities
As a consumer of the health care services provided at Western Hospital, you have specific rights and responsibilities regarding your care and treatment.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can reasonably expect from the hospital and staff as well as advise you of your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
Patients rights while in hospital
- While in the care of our hospital, you are entitled to the best and most appropriate care and services available for your needs. This care and service is to be provided with consideration and dignity in a courteous and sympathetic atmosphere.
- You have the right to expect respect for your beliefs and understanding of different ethnic, cultural and religous practices with regard to sex, economic, educational background or the source of payment for your care.
- You have the right to be kept informed on current options about your illness and treatment and care in language you can understand.
- You have the right to express your opinion by making suggestions or complaints about our service or care by contacting the Chief Executive Officer.
- Your consent is required before any treatment begins but may be withdrawn anytime and you may refuse further treatment. If you do refuse treatment you have the right to be given details of any likely or potential results of your refusal. You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment.
- You may discharge yourself from the hospital at anytime. If it is against medical advice you will have to sign a 'Discharge at Own Risk Form'.
- You have the right to privacy and confidentiality in all respects. Your individuality will be respected and your medical records kept confidential unless you have consented to release such information if required by the law. Details pertaining to this can be found in our Privacy Policy. This policy will be made available to you in leaflet form upon admission.
- You have the right to ask the identity, professional status and qualifications of any health care worker who provides a service.
- You have the right to the respect of your wishes regarding terminal care as long as this care conforms with the "Consent to Medical Treatment & Palliative Care Act 1995". For further information please ask your doctor.
Patients responsibilities while in hospital
- You have the responsibility to inform medical/nursing staff of your medical history and include details of problems or complications previously experienced. For example, allrgies or medications.
- You have the responsibility to consider the needs of other patients and to ensure that your visitors are also aware of this particularly when observing levels of noise and hospital policies.
- You are responsible for following the medical/nursing directions given for treatment. You are also responsible for asking for clarification if unsure, and also to report changes in condition.
- You are responsible for informing the hospital of any change of personal details and also to inform the hospital if unable to keep allocated times of admission. You must respond to correspondence and any forms that need to be filled in and signed. Payment of accounts rendered by the hospital need to be completed before you are discharged.
Rights of a child
- The physical, psychological, social and emotional needs of children are met by the provision of Paediatric Care.
- A child has the right to information about their treatment in a language they understand. They have the right to participate in decision-making regarding their treatment unless age or condition places that responsibility on a parent/guardian.
- The child's parent or guardian is responsible for following the medical/nursing directions given to them for their treatment. If you are unsure about anything, ask for clarification and report any changes in your condition.
- The child has the right to be treated as an individual with unique needs according to their stage of development.
- A child has the right to a caring, comfortable atmosphere conducive to rest. They have the right to express their feelings through play and conversation and are entitled to privacy and confidentiality.
- Above all else the fundamental right of children is to maintain a close and continuous relationship with the parental figure in their life.
The above statements support the Private Patient Hospital Charter January 1996. Should you require further information please ask your nurse for a brochure.
References:
- SA Health Commission Act 1976
- The Freedom of Information Act 1991
Implemented August 2003
