Your rights & responsibilities
We want our patients to always feel safe, secure, supported and as comfortable as possible
We welcome all people irrespective of age, culture, ethnicity, religion, language, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. By working together we can make sure you receive the best possible healthcare experience.
Access – a right to access healthcare
Our responsibilities
We will give you information about how you can access services and where to find them
Your responsibilities
Attend all of your appointments at the booked time and notify us if there is a problem
Contact us if you don’t understand or need more information about services, appointments and ongoing care
Safety – a right to receive safe and high quality care
Our responsibilities
We will provide the best care by qualified staff
We are accredited to provide this care
Your responsibilities
Provide accurate information, as best you can about your current medical problems, previous illness, medications, visits to hospital, allergies and other matters relating to your health
Discuss any worries or concerns you have with staff
Respect – a right to be shown respect and to be treated with dignity and consideration
Our responsibilities
We will treat you with respect and consideration regardless of your individual and diverse needs and preferences
Your responsibilities
Be courteous and considerate to other patients and to staff
Communication – a right to be informed about services, treatment options and costs in a clear and open way
Our responsibilities
Provide concise and timely information to you about your care options and treatments in a way you understand
Offer support to assist you to understand your care
Your responsibilities
Ask staff for a clear explanation of treatments, tests and medication recommended for your care
Let staff know immediately if you do not understand instructions or advice given to you
Let staff know if you intend to leave the service
Participation – a right to be included in decisions and to make choices about your healthcare
Our responsibilities
Encourage you to make informed decisions about your care and to consent to treatment
We will involve the family and friends that are important to you in care decisions as directed by you
Your responsibilities
You can choose to consent to or refuse a treatment
Be involved in the planning and success of your treatment.
Ask for clarification on anything you are unsure about
Privacy – a right to privacy and confidentiality of your personal information
Our responsibilities
Ensure your health information is only shared with appropriate healthcare staff and providers
Recognise that you have a right to ask about your health record and its contents
Your responsibilities
Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of others
Comment – a right to comment on your healthcare and to have your concerns addressed
Our responsibilities
To give you a range of ways to provide feedback on the service you have received
Staff will assist you if you raise any concerns or comments with them
Your responsibilities
Tell us if you have a concern and we will work to resolve it
Raise your concerns in a respectful way
Tell us if we have done a good job if that is how you feel
Charter of Healthcare Rights
A copy of the Charter of Healthcare Rights is available from staff or at the Department of Health and Human Services
Rights of patients in the mental health service can also be obtained from staff or at the Department of Health and Human Services
We care about your health
Help us to keep you safe by:
- respecting our smokefree policy and not smoking within the boundaries of the hospital. Alfred Health is a totally smokefree environment
- refraining from using alcohol or other illicit substances at the hospital
- treating staff, other patients or visitors with respect
- refraining from any other illegal activities at the hospital