1. Your Healthcare Rights

Your legal rights as a health consumer are based on two basic rights:

Be treated with care, consideration and decency
Clear explanations and information
Ask questions about the service, any proposed procedures, and its risks, benefits and alternative treatments
Be given time to understand the information provided
Be informed about the costs of treatment(s)
Be informed if the procedure is experimental or part of research
Ask for a second opinion
Choose a health care establishment
Give informed consent about treatment and withdraw consent at any time
Appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot make those decisions yourself
Leave the hospital at any time – except in the case of some infectious diseases or psychiatric conditions
Confidentiality of personal records
Complain if you are not happy
Redress in the event of injury
Have access to your medical records
Have the right to an interpreter

tell us about your illnesses and hospital visits, symptoms, medications, allergies and other health related matters
tell us about any religious or cultural beliefs and requirements
treat all people you meet in the health service (staff, volunteers, patients, their families) with care, dignity and consideration
ask questions and talk to your family before making any decisions about your health care if relevant
follow staff instructions regarding your treatment and care
be on time for appointments and let your health service know if you need to cancel or reschedule, and notify us if your contact details change
respect the confidentiality and privacy of others.